Dukes of Silesia

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The Dukes of Silesia were the sons and descendants of the Polish Duke Bolesław III Wrymouth. In accordance with the last will and testament of Bolesław, upon his death his lands were divided into 4-5 hereditary provinces distributed among his sons, and a royal province of Kraków reserved for the eldest, who was to be High Duke of all Poland. This was known as the fragmentation of Poland. Subsequent developments lead to further splintering of the duchies.

At the beginning of the 14th century 14 independent Duchies existed in Silesia: Brzeg, Wrocław, Świdnica, Jawor, Ziębice, Głogów, Ścinawa, Żagan and Oleśnica in Lower Silesia; Koźle, Cieszyn, Bytom, Niemodlin, Opole, Strzelce, Racibórz and Opava in Upper Silesia and the eclessiatical duchy of Nysa. Between 1327 and 1329 most dukes accepted the overlordship of Bohemian king John of Bohemia, who acquired the right of succession for all of these duchies. In the coming centuries all branches of the Silesian Piasts died out, and with the death of George William, Duke of Liegnitz the dynasty ceased to exist.

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[edit] Duchy of Silesia

The Duchy of Silesia, one of the hereditary provinces of Poland, Silesia, was granted to Bolesław III's eldest son, Władysław II the Exile, and was subsequently divided among his sons Bolesław I the Tall (Wrocław/Lower Silesia), Mieszko I Tanglefoot (Racibórz/Upper Silesia) and Konrad Spindleshanks (Głogów). After Konrad's death Głogów was again united with the Duchy of Wrocław/Lower Silesia.

[edit] Piast Dynasty

Ruler Reign Notes
Władysław II the Exile Wladyslaw Wygnaniec (Chronica Polanarum).jpg 1138–1146 also monarch of Poland
exiled by his brothers
Bolesław IV the Curly Jan Matejko, Bolesław IV Kędzierzawy.jpg 1146–1163 brother of Wladyslaw II
also Duke of Masovia
Bolesław I the Tall Bolesław I Wysoki tomb effigy.PNG 1163–1172 Boleslaw I and Mieszko I return in 1163 and peacefully regain the throne from Bolesław IV
Mieszko I Tanglefoot Mieszko IV.JPG 1163–1172 Boleslaw I and Mieszko I return in 1163 and peacefully regain the throne from Bolesław IV
Mieszko I Tanglefoot Mieszko IV.JPG 1172–1173
Jarosław 1172–1173 Jarosław was the son of Bolesław I; Mieszko and Jarosław rebelled against Bolesław I and temporarily seized power in the Duchy.

In 1173 Bolesław returned and he agreed to let Mieszko and Bolesław rule in their own Duchies, separated from the Duchy of Silesia. This led to the creation of the Duchy of Racibórz for Mieszko I and the Duchy of Opole for Jarosław, beginning the fragmentation of the Duchy of Silesia. The territories controlled by Mieszko I and Jarosław roughly corresponded to what is known as Upper Silesia, while the territories remaining with Bolesław I roughly corresponded to Lower Silesia.

[edit] Duchies of Lower Silesia (1173–1248)

[edit] Duchy of Lower Silesia

Duchy of Lower Silesia was a direct continuation of the Duchy of Silesia, but without the territories roughly corresponding to Upper Silesia; hence it was composed of the territories roughly corresponding to Lower Silesia. Some sources refer to it as the Duchy of Silesia; some as Duchy of Lower Silesia; others yet as the Duchy of Wrocław (Breslau). Wrocław was the capital of the Duchy of Silesia, yet this early (1172–1248) Duchy of Silesia should not be confused with the smaller Duchy of Wrocław that was created with further fragmentation in 1248.

[edit] Piast Dynasty

Ruler Reign Notes
Bolesław I the Tall Bolesław I Wysoki tomb effigy.PNG 1172–1177
Mieszko I Tanglefoot Mieszko IV.JPG 1177 Mieszko I temporarily exiiled Bolesław I and took over the Duchy; Bolesław I was able to return with the mediation of Casimir II the Just, but as a condition, from 1177 to 1180/1190 (death of Konrad Spindleshanks (Konrad Laskonogi)), Duchy of Głogów was split off as a separate entity ruled by Konrad. It reverted back to Boleslaw I with Konrad's childless death.
Bolesław I the Tall Bolesław I Wysoki tomb effigy.PNG 1177–1201
Henry I the Bearded Jan Matejko, Henryk I Brodaty.jpg 1201–1238 also monarch of Poland
Henry II the Pious Henryk II Pobożny tomb effigy.PNG 1238–1241
Bolesław II the Bald Bolesław II Rogatka.JPG 1241–1248
Henry III the White Henryk III Biały seal.PNG 1247–1248 brother and co-ruler with Bolesław II the Bald

The Duchy went through various border changes in the coming years, sometimes losing and sometimes gaining territory. In 1248 Lower Silesia was divided when Bolesław II had to cede the Duchy of Wrocław to his younger brother Henry III.

[edit] Lubusz Land

Note: Lubusz was not considered a duchy.

[edit] Piast Dynasty

Ruler Reign Notes
Henry I the Bearded Jan Matejko, Henryk I Brodaty.jpg 1201–1206 also monarch of Poland
Władysław III Spindleshanks Wielkopolscy.gif 1206–1209 also monarch of Poland
Conrad II 1209–1210
Henry I the Bearded Jan Matejko, Henryk I Brodaty.jpg 1210–1218 also monarch of Poland
Władysław III Spindleshanks Wielkopolscy.gif 1218–1225 also monarch of Poland
Louis IV, Landgrave of Thuringia Ludvik4Duryn.jpg 1225–1227

Between 1227 and 1230, the Duchy was annexed by the Archbishopric of Magdeburg.

[edit] Piast Dynasty

Ruler Reign Notes
Henry I the Bearded Jan Matejko, Henryk I Brodaty.jpg 1230–1238 also monarch of Poland
Henry II the Pious Henryk II Pobożny tomb effigy.PNG 1238–1241 also monarch of Poland
Mieszko 1241–1242
Bolesław II the Bald Bolesław II Rogatka.JPG 1242–1249

In 1249, the duchy is annexed by the Margraviate of Brandenburg.

[edit] Duchy of Wrocław (1248–1335)

[edit] Piast Dynasty

Ruler Reign Notes
Henry III the White Henryk III Biały seal.PNG 1248–1266
Henry IV Probus Henryk IV Probus tomb effigy.PNG 1266–1290 also monarch of Poland
Henry V the Fat Henryk V Brzuchaty seal 1289.PNG 1290–1296 son of Boleslaw II
Bolesław III the Generous Boleslaus von Liegnitz.png 1296–1311
Henry VI the Good Henryk VI Dobry tomb effigy.PNG 1311–1335 Brother of Boleslaw III

In 1327 Henry VI signed a contract of inheritance with King John of Bohemia and upon his death the Duchy of Wrocław fell to the Kingdom of Bohemia.

[edit] Duchy of Legnica (1248–1311)

[edit] Piast Dynasty

Ruler Reign Notes
Bolesław II the Bald Bolesław II Rogatka.JPG 1248–1278
Henry V the Fat Henryk V Brzuchaty seal 1289.PNG 1278–1296 son of Boleslaw II
Bolesław III the Generous Boleslaus von Liegnitz.png 1296–1311 jointly with his brothers, Henry VI and Wladyslaw.
Henry VI the Good Henryk VI Dobry tomb effigy.PNG 1296–1311 jointly with his brothers, Boleslaw III and Wladyslaw.
Władysław 1296–1311 jointly with his brothers, Boleslaw III and Henry VI.
Bolko I the Strict Bolko I. Schweidnitz.png 1296–1301 regent
Henry of Würben 1301–1302 Bishop of Wrocław,regent
King Wenceslaus II of Bohemia Vasik2 retus.jpg 1302–1305 regent

Between 1273 and 1311, Legnica was partioned in many smaller duchies.

[edit] Duchy of Świdnica-Jawor (1273–1392)

(split off from the Duchy of Legnica)

[edit] Piast Dynasty

Ruler Reign Notes
Henry V the Fat Henryk V Brzuchaty seal 1289.PNG 1273–1278 son of Boleslaw II the Bald
Bolko I the Strict Bolko I. Schweidnitz.png 1278–1301 jointly with Bernard I.
Bernard I the Lightsome Bernard Zwinny seal.PNG 1278–1286 jointly with Bolko I.
Henry I 1301–1346 jointly with Bernard II until 1312, Bolko II from 1326 to 1346, and Henry II from 1334 to 1343.
Bernard II 1301–1312 jointly with Henry I.
Herman of Brandenburg 1301–1305 regent
Bolko II the Small Bolko II Mały tomb effigy.PNG 1326–1368 jointly with Henry I until 1346.
Henry II 1334–1343 jointly with Henry I.

[edit] Habsburg Dynasty

Ruler Reign Notes
Agnes of Habsburg Agnes von Habsburg.jpg 1368–1392 widow of Bolko II. Succeeded her husband also in Lwowek, according with his will.
[edit] Duchy of Ziębice (1322–1742)

(split off from the Duchy of Świdnica-Jawor)

[edit] Duchy of Lwówek

(split of from the Duchy of Legnica)

[edit] Piast Dynasty

Ruler Reign Notes
Bolko I the Strict Bolko I. Schweidnitz.png 1278–1281 1st rule.
Bernard I the Lightsome Bernard Zwinny seal.PNG 1281–1286
Bolko I the Strict Bolko I. Schweidnitz.png 1278–1301 2nd rule
Henry I 1301–1346 jointly with Bernard II and Bolko II until 1312
Bernard II 1301–1312 jointly with Henry I.
Bolko II the Small Bolko II Mały tomb effigy.PNG 1301–1312 jointly with Henry I.1st rule
Herman of Brandenburg 1301–1305 regent
Bolko II the Small Bolko II Mały tomb effigy.PNG 1346–1368 2nd rule.

[edit] Habsburg Dynasty

Ruler Reign Notes
Agnes of Habsburg Agnes von Habsburg.jpg 1368–1392 widow of Bolko II. Succeeded her husband.

[edit] Duchy of Legnica (1311–1675)

(split off from the bigger Duchy of Legnica)

[edit] Piast Dynasty
Ruler Reign Notes
Władysław 1311–1312 Deposed by his brother, Boleslaw III
Bolesław III the Generous Boleslaus von Liegnitz.png 1312–1342
Wenceslaus I 1342–1364
Louis I the Fair 1342–1346 jointly with his brother, Wenceslaus
Rupert I 1364–1409
Wenceslaus II Wacław Legnicki.jpg 1364–1413 regent
Boleslaw IV 1364–1394 jointly with Henry VIII, Wenceslaus II and Rupert
Henry VIII 1364–1398 jointly with Boleslaw IV, Wenceslaus II, and Rupert.
Louis II 1413–1436

Louis II was succeeded by his wife, Elisabeth of Hohenzollern.

[edit] House of Hohenzollern
Ruler Reign Notes
Elisabeth of Brandenburg 1436–1449 Widow of Louis III.
[edit] Piast Dynasty
Ruler Reign Notes
Frederick I 1454–1488
Hedwig of Legnica 1454–1466 regent
John II 1488–1495 jointly with his brothers, Frederick II and George I
Frederick II 1495–1547 jointly with his brothers, John II and George I.
George I 1488–1495 jointly with his brothers, Frederick II and John II
Ludmila of Poděbrady 1488–1498 regent
Frederick III 1547–1559
George II the Pious Georg II of Brieg.PNG 1551–1556 regent
Henry XI 1559–1581
Frederick IV 1581–1596
Joachim Frederick 1596–1602
George Rudolf 1602–1653 jointly with his brother, John Christian
John Christian 1602–1612 jointly with his brother, George Rudolf.
Anna Maria of Anhalt 1602–1605 regent
Charles II of Poděbrady 1605–1609 regent
Louis IV 1653–1663
Christian Christian, Duke of Brieg.PNG 1653–1654
George III 1653–1654
Christian Christian, Duke of Brieg.PNG 1663–1672
George III 1663–1664
George William George William, Duke of Liegnitz.PNG 1672–1675
Louise of Anhalt-Dessau 1672–1675 Widow of Christian. Regent

In 1675, the duchy is annexed to the Kingdom of Bohemia.

[edit] Duchy of Lubin

In 1550 Lubin is definitely reunited with the Duchy of Legnica.

[edit] Duchy of Chojnów

In 1488 Chojnów is definitely reunited with the Duchy of Legnica.

[edit] Duchy of Brzeg

In 1675 Brzeg in annexed by the Kingdom of Bohemia.

[edit] Duchy of Oława

Until 1400 part of the Duchy of Brzeg

In 1737 Oława was definitely annexed by the Kingdom of Bohemia.

[edit] Duchy of Niemcza

In 1399 Niemcza is annexed by the Duchy of Oława

[edit] Duchy of Strzelin

Until 1385 part of the Duchy of Ziębice

In 1602 Strzelin is definitely annexed by the Duchy of Niemcza

[edit] Duchy of Namysłów

In 1398 Namysłów is definitely annexed by the Duchy of Brzeg

[edit] County of Kladsko (1459–1818)

In 1526, Kladsko was annexed by the Habsburgs. In 1818 was annexed by Prussia.

[edit] Duchy of Głogów (1251–1506)

In 1349 one half of Głogów was restored to Henry V of Iron —son of Henry IV the Faithful and nephew of Przemko II— and the other half was given to Constance of Świdnica
1st half:
2nd half:
  • In 1480 the Duchy of Glogów is finally reunificated after almost 150 years

In 1506 Głogów was definitely annexed by the Kingdom of Bohemia

[edit] Duchy of Ścinawa

[edit] Duchy of Żagań (1274–1472)

[edit] Duchies of Zielona Góra and Kożuchów

In 1420 Zielona Góra and Kożuchów were definitely annexed by the Duchy of Glogów

[edit] Duchy of Krosno

In 1482 Krosno was annexed by Electorate of Brandenburg

[edit] Duchy of Szprotawa

In 1412 Szprotawa was annexed by the Duchy of Glogów

[edit] Duchy of Przewóz

In 1472 Przewóz was reacquired by the House of Wettin.

[edit] Duchy of Oleśnica (1313–1884)

[edit] Duchy of Wołów

In 1680 Wołów was annexed by the Kingdom of Bohemia.


[edit] Duchies of Upper Silesia

Upper Silesia was divided into the Duchies of Cieszyn, Opole and Racibórz. In 1340 the Duchy of Racibórz was united with Opava, a Bohemian fief.

[edit] Duchy of OpoleRacibórz(1202–1281) / (1521–1532)

In 1282 the Duchy is divided between the four sons of Władysław.

In 1521, Jan II the Good recreates the duchy.

In 1532, Jan the Good died without children and the recreated Duchy of Opole-Racibórz was abolished again.

[edit] Duchy of Opole (1282–1521)

In 1521, Opole was reunited with Racibórz

[edit] Olesno

Until 1396 part of Opole

[edit] Duchy of Niemodlin
[edit] Duchy of Strzelce
[edit] Prudnik

In 1460 Prudnik is annexed by the Duchy of Opole.

[edit] Duchy of Głogówek

In 1460 Głogówek is annexed by the Duchy of Opole.

[edit] Duchy of Bytom

  • 1284–1312 Casimir (first ruler of the Duchy of Bytom, co-ruler of the Duchy of Opole during 1282–1284).
  • 1312–1316 Siemowit (co-ruler from 1311; deposed, d. after 1342).
  • 1316–1352 Władysław
    • 1316–1327 George (co-ruler, only formally).
  • 1352–1355 Bolesław (co-ruler to ca. 1350).
  • 1355–1357 Margareta of Sternberg (only formally; deposed, d. ca. 1365).
In 1355 the Duchy of Bytom is partitioned :
The northern part to the Duchy of Oleśnica (see above)
The southern part to the Duchy of Cieszyn

In 1459 the southern Duchy of Bytom was sold to the Dukes of Oleśnica, and with this Bytom was reunificated.

In 1472 the Duchy of Bytom was annexed by the Kingdom of Bohemia.

In 1498 the Duchy of Bytom was acquired by Jan II the Good, Duke of Opole.

[edit] Duchy of Koźle
In 1472 Koźle was annexed by the Kingdom of Bohemia.
[edit] Duchy of Toszek

In 1484 Toszek is annexed by the Kingdom of Bohemia.

[edit] Duchy of Siewierz

In 1443 Siewierz in sold to the Bishopric of Kraków.

[edit] Duchy of Gliwice

[edit] Duchy of Cieszyn

In 1918 the Duchy of Cieszyn was abolished after World War I.

[edit] Duchy of Oświęcim

In 1457 Oświęcim was annexed by the Kingdom of Poland.

[edit] Duchy of Zator
In 1474 the Duchy of Zator is partitioned:
1/2 Zator
1/2 Zator
  • 1490–1513 Jan V (unificated the whole Duchy)

In 1513 Zator was annexed by the Kingdom of Poland.

[edit] Duchy of Wadowice
  • 1482–1493 Władysław
  • 1493–1503 Agnes (Sovereign owner of Wadowice per bequest of her father Duke Władysław of Zator, but without the Ducal rank, who was given to her uncle Jan V. Married with Jan Kobierzycki, Count of Tworkow and Kobierzyn with one male heir. Deposed, d. after 1505.)

Despite the sale of Wadowice to the King of Poland in 1503, and to insure his armorial protection of the region, Wadowice continued to be torn by wars for another 300 years.

[edit] Duchy of Racibórz (1282–1521)

In 1336 The Duchy of Racibórz passed to the Dukes of Opava who belonged to the Přemyslid dynasty and were relatives of the Dukes of Racibórz.
In 1377 the newly created Duchy of Opava-Racibórz is partitioned between Nicholas II's sons
On 15 August 1880 the Duchy of Racibórz and the Principality of Corvey (German: Herzogtum von Ratibor, Fürstentum von Corvey) were given to Prince Victor Maurice of Hohenlohe-Waldenburg-Schillingsfürst as a reward for his faithful services
[edit] Żory
[edit] Pszczyna
Titular rulers
  • 1945–1984 Hans Henry XVII of Hochberg
  • 1984 Alexander of Hochberg
  • 1984– Bolko of Hochberg
[edit] Rybnik
[edit] Wodzisław Śląski

[edit] Duchy of Opava

Split off from Moravia.

In 1377 the newly created Duchy of Opava-Racibórz is partitioned between Nicholas II's sons
In 1456 the Dukes of Opava sold their domains to the Kingdom of Bohemia.

Fell to Ferdinand I of Habsburg along with the Bohemian Crown. In 1614 Matthias of Habsburg invested Prince Karl I of Liechtenstein with Troppau, whose successors bear the ducal title ever since.

[edit] Głubczyce

In 1485 Głubczyce was annexed by the Kingdom of Bohemia.

[edit] Fulnek
[edit] Duchy of Krnov
[edit] Bruntál

[edit] Ecclesiastical Duchy of Nysa

Established in 1290 by High Duke Henry IV Probus, held by the Bishops of Wrocław

Major part annexed by the Kingdom of Prussia after the First Silesian War in 1742.

Prussian part secularised in 1810.

  • 1823–1832 Emanuel von Schimonsky
  • 1835–1840 Leopold von Sedlnitzky
  • 1843–1844 Joseph Knauer
  • 1845–1850 Melchior von Diepenbrock

Theocracy abolished in 1850.

[edit] See also

List of Polish rulers
Piast dynasty
Dukes of Masovia
Dukes of Greater Poland
Dukes of Little Poland
Dukes of Cuiavia
Dukes of Sieradz-Łęczyca

[edit] References

  • Neue deutsche Biographie, Berlin 2001, Bd.: 20, p. 403-407
  • Meyers Großes Konversations-Lexikon, Leipzig 1905–1909, Bd.: 17, p. 845-847


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