Duke of Tuscany

The Duke of Tuscany was a title given to a noble ruler within the Grand Duchy of Tuscany, a region in Italy, during the Renaissance and early modern periods. The most notable was Cosimo I de' Medici, who became duke in 1537 and later the grand duke, transforming Florence into a center of culture, politics, and power. The title signified regional sovereignty and political influence, often held by members of the prominent Medici family, who were patrons of arts and sciences. In essence, the Duke of Tuscany was a powerful regional ruler, shaping Italy's political and cultural landscape during their reign.