Plural of archduke; multiple rulers who hold the rank of archduke, a supreme ducal title.
From 'arch-' (chief) plus 'duke' (from Latin 'dux,' meaning leader). The term became formalized in the 15th century, especially in German-speaking territories and the Holy Roman Empire.
The Habsburgs invented the 'archduke' title to make themselves sound even more important than other princes—it's a perfect example of how royal families used fancy titles to climb the social ladder of European power.
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