Duchies

A duchy is a territory ruled by a duke or duchess, typically ranking below a kingdom but larger than a county. Historically, duchies were important political units within nations, often centered around a specific region. The holder of a duchy had significant authority over local laws and governance, acting as a semi-autonomous ruler under the overarching sovereignty of a monarch or emperor. In modern times, the term is less common politically but may still be used honorifically or historically to refer to regions associated with noble titles.