Burgundy (Duchy)

The Duchy of Burgundy was a powerful medieval state in what is now eastern France and parts of Belgium, established in the 10th century. It gained prominence in the 14th and 15th centuries, becoming a center of art, culture, and commerce under the Valois dukes. The duchy played a significant role in European politics, often rivaling the French crown. Its wealth and strategic location led to conflicts, especially during the Hundred Years' War. Ultimately, it was absorbed into the French kingdom in the 1470s, but its legacy influences regional identity and history in France and Belgium.