Duke of Silesia
The Duke of Silesia was 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 four or five 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, fourteen 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.
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.
Dukes of Silesia
Ruler | Born | Reign | Death | Ruling Part | Notes | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Władysław the Exile | 1105 | 1138–1146 | 30 May 1159 | Silesia | also monarch of Poland exiled by his brothers | |
Bolesław the Curly | 1125 | 1146–1163 | 5 January 1173 | Silesia | brother of Wladyslaw II also Duke of Masovia and monarch of Poland |
Partitions of Silesia
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.
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. 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.
Duchy of Lower Silesia
Duchy of Lower Silesia |
In 1248, the Duchy of Lower Silesia was partitioned in the duchies of Wrocław and Legnica.
Duchy of Wrocław Duchy of Legnica
Duchy of Wrocław (Lower Silesia) | Duchy of Legnica (Lower Silesia) |
In 1251, in Lower Silesia, the Duchy of Glogów emerged from Wrocław.
Duchy of Wrocław (Lower Silesia) | Duchy of Głogów (Lower Silesia) | Duchy of Legnica (Lower Silesia) |
In 1274, the Duchy of Świdnica-Jawor emerged from Legnica. In the same year, the Duchy of Zágán emerged from Glogów.
Duchy of Świdnica-Jawor Duchy of Żagań
Duchy of Wrocław (Lower Silesia) | Duchy of Głogów (Lower Silesia) | Duchy of Legnica (Lower Silesia) | Duchy of Świdnica-Jawor (Lower Silesia) | Duchy of Zágán (Lower Silesia) |
In 1311,the Duchy of Brzeg emerged from Legnica.
Duchy of Wrocław (Lower Silesia) | Duchy of Głogów (Lower Silesia) | Duchy of Legnica (Lower Silesia) | Duchy of Brzeg (Lower Silesia) |
In 1313, the Duchy of Oleśnica emerged from Glógow.
Duchy of Wrocław (Lower Silesia) | Duchy of Głogów (Lower Silesia) | Duchy of Legnica (Lower Silesia) | Duchy of Brzeg (Lower Silesia) | Duchy of Oleśnica (Lower Silesia) |
In 1322, the Duchy of Ziebice emerged from Swidnica-Jawor.
Duchy of Wrocław (Lower Silesia) | Duchy of Głogów (Lower Silesia) | Duchy of Legnica (Lower Silesia) | Duchy of Brzeg (Lower Silesia) | Duchy of Olésnica (Lower Silesia) | Duchy of Ziębice (Lower Silesia) |
Dukes of Lower Silesia
Ruler | Born | Reign | Death | Ruling Part | Notes | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bolesław I the Tall | 1127 | 1163–1201 | 8 December 1201 | Lower Silesia | ||
Henry I the Bearded | 1165 | 1201–1238 | 19 March 1238 | Lower Silesia | also monarch of Poland. | |
Henry II the Pious | 1196 | 1238–1241 | 9 April 1241 | Lower Silesia | also monarch of Poland. | |
Henry III the White | 1227 or 1230 | 1241–1266 | 3 December 1266 | Wrocław | Son of Henry II the Pious | |
Bolesław II the Bald | c. 1220/5 | 1241–1278 | 26–31 December 1278 | Legnica | Brother of Henry III the White. He gained Legnica in the partition of 1248. | |
Conrad I | 1228/31 | 1251-1274 | 6 August 1274 | Głogów | First duke of Głogów. Brother of Henry III the White and Boleslaw II the Bald. | |
Henry IV Probus | 1257/1258 | 266–1290 | 23 June 1290 | Wrocław | also monarch of Poland | |
Henry V the Fat | 1248 | 1278–1296 | 22 February 1296 | Legnica | son of Boleslaw II. | |
Henry V the Fat | 1248 | 1273–1278 | 22 February 1296 | Świdnica-Jawor | Rules also in Legnica. | |
Henry III | File:HenryGlogów.jpg | 1251/60 | 1274-1309 | 3 December 1309 | Głogów | Son of Conrad I. |
Conrad II the Hunchback | File:KonradGarbaty.jpg | 1252/65 | 1274-1289 | 11 October 1304 | Głogów | Brother of Henry III. Jointly with his brother Henry III. |
Przemko I | 1252/65 | 1274-1289 | 26 February 1289 | Głogów | Brother of Henry III and Conrad II. Ruled jointly with them. | |
Przemko I | 1252/65 | 1274-1284 | 26 February 1289 | Żagań | Żagań emerged in 1274 from Głogów. | |
Bolko I the Strict | 1252/6 | 1278–1301 | 9 November 1301 | Świdnica-Jawor | jointly with Bernard I. | |
Bernard I the Lightsome | 1253/7 | 1278–1286 | 25 April 1286 | Świdnica-Jawor | jointly with Bolko I. | |
Conrad II the Hunchback | File:KonradGarbaty.jpg | 1252/65 | 1284-1304 | 11 October 1304 | Żagań | Brother of Przemko. Also Duke of Głogów. |
Henry V the Fat | 1248 | 1290–1296 | 22 February 1296 | Wrocław | son of Boleslaw II. Also duke of Legnica. | |
Bolesław III the Generous | 23 September 1291 | 1296–1342 | 21 April 1352 | Legnica | jointly with his brothers, Henry VI and Wladyslaw. | |
Henry VI the Good | 18 March 1294 | 1296–1335 | 24 November 1335 | Legnica | jointly with his brothers, Boleslaw III and Wladyslaw. | |
Władysław | 6 June 1296 | 1296–1312 | after 13 January 1352 | Legnica | jointly with his brothers, Boleslaw III and Henry VI. | |
Bolesław III the Generous | 23 September 1291 | 1296–1311 | 21 April 1352 | Wrocław | Also duke of Legnica, Brzeg and Opava | |
Henry I | 1292/6 | 1301–1346 | before 15 May 1346 | Świdnica-Jawor | jointly with Bernard II until 1312, Bolko II from 1326 to 1346, and Henry II from 1334 to 1343. | |
Bernard II | 1291 | 1301–1312 | 6 May 1326 | Świdnica-Jawor | jointly with Henry I. | |
Bolko II the Small | 1312 | 1326–1368 | 28 July 1368 | Świdnica-Jawor | Son of Bernard II. Jointly with Henry I until 1346. | |
Henry II | 1316 | 1334–1343 | 28 June 1345 | Świdnica-Jawor | Son of Bernard II. Jointly with Bolko II and Henry I. | |
Henry III | File:HenryGlogów.jpg | 1251/60 | 1304-1309 | 3 December 1309 | Żagań | Also Duke of Głogów. |
Matilda of Brunswick-Lüneburg | 1276 | 1309-1318 | 26 April 1318 | Głogów | Widow of Henry III. | |
Henry IV the Faithful | File:HenryIVGlogów.jpg | 1292 | 1309-1342 | 22 Jabuary 1342 | Żagań | Also Duke of Głogów. |
Conrad I | 1294 | 1309-1312 | 22 December 1366 | Żagań | Also Duke of Olesnica. Jointly with Henry IV and Przemko II. | |
Przemko II | 1305 | 1309-1321 | 11 January 1331 | Żagań | Also Duke of Głogów. Jointly with Conrad I and Henry IV. | |
Conrad I | 1294 | 1309-1366 | 22 December 1366 | Oleśnica | First duke of Oleśnica. | |
Władysław | 6 June 1296 | 1311–1312 | after 13 January 1352 | Brzeg | With his rule, Brzeg emerged as an independent duchy. | |
Henry VI the Good | 18 March 1294 | 1311–1335 | 24 November 1335 | Wrocław | 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. | |
Bolesław III the Generous | 23 September 1291 | 1312-1352 | 21 April 1352 | Brzeg | Also duke of Legnica, Opava and Wrocław. | |
Henry IV the Faithful | File:HenryIVGlogów.jpg | 1292 | 1318-1321 | 22 January 1342 | Głogów | Ruled Głogów with Przemko II. |
Przemko II | 1305 | 1318-1331 | 11 January 1331 | Głogów | Ruled Głogów with Henry IV. In 1331 the duchy is annexed by the Kingdom of Bohemia. | |
Bolko II | File:Bolko II of Ziebice.jpg | 1 February 1300 | 1322-1341 | 11 June 1341 | Ziębice | First duke of Ziębice. Son of Bolko I the Strict. |
Henry I | 1292/6 | 1337-1346 | before 15 May 1346 | Głogów | In 1337 Głogów re-emerges from Bohemia, and is annexed again in 1346. | |
Nicholas the Small | File:Nicholas the Small.png | 1327 | 1341-1358 | 23 April 1358 | Ziębice | |
Wenceslaus I | 1318 | 1342–1364 | 2 June 1364 | Legnica | ||
Louis I the Fair | 1321 | 1342–1398 | 6–23 December 1398 | Legnica | jointly with his brother Wenceslaus I. | |
Henry V of Iron | File:HenryVofIron.jpg | 1319 | 1342-1369 | after 8 April 1369 | Żagań | Son of Henry IV. |
Henry V of Iron | File:HenryVofIron.jpg | 1319 | 1349-1369 | after 8 April 1369 | Głogów (Half 1) | In 1349 Half 1 of Głogów reemerges from Bohemia to be annexed by Żagań line of the Piasts. |
Katharina of Croatia | ? | 1352-1358 | before 5 March 1358 | Brzeg | Widow of Bolesław III the Generous. | |
Louis I the Fair | 1321 | 1358–1398 | 6–23 December 1398 | Brzeg | Stepson of Katharina; also duke of Legnica. | |
Henry VII the Courageous | 1343/5 | 1361-1399 | 11 July 1399 | Brzeg | Duke of Brzeg jointly with his father Louis I. | |
Bolko III | 1348 | 1358-1410 | 13 June 1410 | Ziębice | Son of Nicholas the Small. Ruled jointly with his brother Henry I. | |
Henry I | 1350 | 1358-1366 | after 8 August 1366 | Ziębice | Son of Nicholas the Small. Ruled jointly with his brother Bolko III. | |
Constance of Świdnica | 1313 | 1360-1361 | 21 November 1363 | Głogów (Half 2) | In 1360 Half 2 of Głogów reemerges from Bohemia to be given to Constance, widow of Przemko II. She renounces the title in favour of her brother Bolko II. | |
Bolko II the Small | 1312 | 1361–1368 | 28 July 1368 | Głogów (Half 2) | Brother of Constance. After his death in 1368, this half is annexed again to the Kingdom of Bohemia. | |
Rupert I | 27 March 1347 | 1364–1409 | before 12 January 1409 | Legnica | ||
Wenceslaus II | 1348 | 1364–1413 | 30 December 1419 | Legnica | ||
Boleslaw IV | 1349 | 1364–1394 | 3/4 March 1394 | Legnica | jointly with Henry VIII, Wenceslaus II and Rupert | |
Henry VIII | 1355 | 1364–1398 | 12 December 1398 | Legnica | jointly with Boleslaw IV, Wenceslaus II, and Rupert. | |
Conrad II the Gray | 1340 | 1366-1403 | 10 June 1403 | Oleśnica | Son of Conrad I. | |
Agnes of Austria | 1322 | 1368–1392 | 2 February 1392 | Świdnica-Jawor | widow of Bolko II. Succeeded her husband according with his will. After her death the duchy was annexed to the Kingdom of Bohemia. | |
Henry VI the Older | File:HenrykVI 1.jpg | before 1345 | 1369-1393 | 5 December 1393 | Żagań | Son of Henry V. Ruled jointly with Henry VII and Henry VIII until 1378. |
Henry VII Rumpold | File:HenryVIIrumpold.jpg | 1350 | 1369-1378 | 24 December 1395 | Żagań | Son of Henry V. Ruled jointly with Henry VI and Henry VIII. |
Henry VIII the Sparrow | File:Henry the Sparrow.jpg | 1357 | 1369-1378 | 14 March 1397 | Żagań | Son of Henry V. Ruled jointly with Henry VI and Henry VII. |
Henry VI the Older | File:HenrykVI 1.jpg | before 1345 | 1369-1378 | 5 December 1393 | Głogów (Half 1) | Son of Henry V. Ruled jointly with Henry VII and Henry VIII. |
Henry VII Rumpold | File:HenryVIIrumpold.jpg | 1350 | 1369-1395 | 24 December 1395 | Głogów (Half 1) | Son of Henry V. Ruled jointly with Henry VI and Henry VIII until 1378. |
Henry VIII the Sparrow | File:Henry the Sparrow.jpg | 1357 | 1369-1378 | 14 March 1397 | Głogów (Half 1) | Son of Henry V. Ruled jointly with Henry VI and Henry VII. |
Przemysław I Noszak | 1332/6 | 1384-1404 | 23 May 1410 | Głogów (Half 2) | Also Duke of Cieszyn. The 2nd half of the duchy of Głogów re-emerges from Bohemia. 1st time. | |
Hedwig of Legnica | 1351 | 1393-1403 | 1 August 1409 | Żagań | Widow of Henry VI. | |
Henry VIII the Sparrow | File:Henry the Sparrow.jpg | 1357 | 1395-1397 | 14 March 1397 | Głogów (Half 1) | Ruled alone. |
Henry IX | 1369 | 1396-1420 | 10 July 1420 | Legnica (Lubin) | Regional duke in Legnica. Also duke of Brzeg. | |
John I | File:JohnIZagan.jpg | 1385 | 1397-1412 | 12 April 1439 | Głogów (Half 1) | Ruled until 1412 with Henry IX, Henry X, and Wenceslaus. |
Henry IX the Older | File:HenryIXStarszy.jpg | 1387 | 1397-1467 | 11 November 1467 | Głogów (Half 1) | Ruled with John I, Henry X and Wenceslaus |
Henry X Rumpold | File:HenryXrumpold.jpg | 1390 | 1397-1423 | 18 January 1423 | Głogów (Half 1) | Ruled with John I, Henry IX and Wenceslaus |
Wenceslaus I | 1391 | 1397-1417 | before 4 February 1431 | Głogów (Half 1) | Ruled with John I, Henry IX and Henry X | |
Henry IX | 1369 | 1399-1400 | 10 July 1420 | Brzeg | Also duke of Legnica (in Lubin). Jointly with his half-brother Louis II. | |
Louis II | 1380/5 | 1399–1436 | 30 May 1436 | Brzeg | Jointly with his half-brother Henry IX. Also duke of Legnica. | |
Conrad III the Old | 1359 | 1403-1412 | 28 December 1412 | Oleśnica | Son of Conrad II. | |
John I | File:JohnIZagan.jpg | 1385 | 1403-1439 | 12 April 1439 | Żagań | Ruled until 1412 with Henry IX, Henry X, and Wenceslaus. |
Henry IX the Older | File:HenryIXStarszy.jpg | 1387 | 1403-1412 | 11 November 1467 | Żagań | Ruled with John I, Henry X and Wenceslaus |
Henry X Rumpold | File:HenryXrumpold.jpg | 1390 | 1403-1412 | 18 January 1423 | Żagań | Ruled with John I, Henry IX and Wenceslaus |
Wenceslaus I | 1391 | 1403-1412 | before 4 February 1431 | Żagań | Ruled with John I, Henry IX and Henry X | |
Przemysław II | 1362 | 1404-1406 | 1 January 1406 | Głogów (Half 2) | Also Duke of Oświęcim. Son of Przemysław I. | |
Przemysław I Noszak | 1332/6 | 1406-1410 | 23 May 1410 | Głogów (Half 2) | Also Duke of Cieszyn. 2nd time. | |
Bolesław I | 1363 | 1410-1431 | 6 May 1431 | Głogów (Half 2) | Also Duke of Cieszyn. | |
John I | 1358 | 1410-1428 | 27 August 1428 | Ziębice | Son of Bolko III. Ruled jointly with his brother Henry II until 1420. After his death the duchy was annexed to the Kingdom of Bohemia, and later mortgaged it to Půta III of Častolovice during 1429-1435. | |
Henry II | 1396 | 1410-1420 | 11 March 1420 | Ziębice | Son of Bolko III. Ruled jointly with his brother John I. | |
Euphemia | 1385 | 1435-1442 | 17 November 1447 | Ziębice | Daughter of Bolko III. In 1435 she bought the Duchy to the Emperor and Častolovice's heiresses. In 1442 it was sold to the Kingdom of Bohemia. | |
Conrad IV the Older | 1384 | 1412-1416 | 9 August 1447 | Oleśnica | Son of Conrad III. Ruled jointly with his brother Conrad V. | |
Conrad V Kantner | 1385 | 1412-1439 | 10 September 1439 | Oleśnica | Son of Conrad III. Ruled jointly with his brothers Conrad IV, Conrad VI, Conrad VII and Conrad VIII until 1427. | |
Conrad VI the Dean | 1391 | 1416-1427 | 3 September 1427 | Oleśnica | Son of Conrad III. Ruled jointly with his brothers Conrad V, Conrad VII and Conrad VIII. | |
Conrad VII the White | after 1396 | 1416-1427 | 14 February 1452 | Oleśnica | Son of Conrad III. Ruled jointly with his brothers Conrad V, Conrad VI and Conrad VIII. 1st time | |
Conrad VIII the Younger | after 1397 | 1416-1427 | 5 September 1444 | Oleśnica | Son of Conrad III. Ruled jointly with his brothers Conrad V, Conrad VI and Conrad VII. | |
Louis II | 1380/5 | 1413–1436 | 30 May 1436 | Legnica | Also duke of Brzeg. | |
Rupert II | 1396/1402 | 1420-1431 | 24 August 1431 | Legnica (Lubin) | Regional duke in Legnica. Jointly with his brother Louis. | |
Wenceslaus III | 1400 | 1420-1423 | 14 January or 28 May 1423 | Legnica (Oława) | Regional duke in Legnica. | |
Louis III | before 1405 | 1423-1441 | before 18 June 1441 | Legnica (Oława) | Regional duke in Legnica. From 1431 also duke of Legnica (in Lubin). | |
Louis III | before 1405 | 1431-1441 | before 18 June 1441 | Legnica (Lubin) | Regional duke in Legnica. Since 1423 duke of Legnica (in Oława). | |
Władysław I | 1420 | 1431-1460 | 14 February 1460 | Głogów (Half 2) | Also Duke of Cieszyn. Ruled jointly with Wenceslaus I, Przemysław III and Bolesław II. | |
Wenceslaus I | 1413/8 | 1431-1442 | 1474 | Głogów (Half 2) | Also Duke of Cieszyn. Ruled jointly with Władysław I, Przemysław III and Bolesław II. | |
Przemysław III | 1422/5 | 1431-1442 | 18 March 1477 | Głogów (Half 2) | Also Duke of Cieszyn. Ruled jointly with Władysław I, Wenceslaus I and Bolesław II. 1st time. | |
Bolesław II | 1425/8 | 1431-1442 | 4 October 1452 | Głogów (Half 2) | Also Duke of Cieszyn. Ruled jointly with Władysław I, Wenceslaus I and Przemysław III. | |
Elisabeth of Brandenburg | 29 September 1403 | 1436–1449 | 31 October 1449 | Legnica | Widow of Louis II. After her death in 1449, Legnica is annexed by the Kingdom of Bohemia. | |
Elisabeth of Brandenburg | 29 September 1403 | 1436–1443 | 31 October 1449 | Brzeg | Also duchess in Legnica. In 1443 is forced to give Brzeg to John I and Henry X of Lubin. | |
Margareta of Opole | 1412/4 | 1431-1441 | 15 January 1454 | Legnica (Oława) | Regional duchess in Legnica, widow of Louis III | |
Conrad VII the White | after 1396 | 1439-1450 | 14 February 1452 | Oleśnica | Ruled alone. 2nd time. | |
Balthasar | File:BaltazarZagan.jpg | 1415 | 1439-1461 | 15 July 1472 | Żagań | Ruled with Rudolf, Wenceslaus II and John II. 1st time. |
Rudolf | File:RudolfZagan.jpg | 1418 | 1439-1454 | 18 September 1454 | Żagań | Ruled with Balthasar, Wenceslaus II and John II |
Wenceslaus II | File:WaclawZagan.jpg | 1434 | 1439-1449 | 29 April 1488 | Żagań | Ruled with Balthasar, Rudolf and John II. |
John II the Mad | 16 April 1435 | 1439-1449 | 22 September 1504 | Żagań | Ruled with Balthasar, Rudolf and Wenceslaus II. 1st time. | |
John I | 1425 | 1441-1446 | after 21 November 1453 | Legnica (Oława) | Regional duke in Legnica, jointly with his brother, Henry X. In 1446, due to the difficult financial situation, Lubin was sold to the Duchy of Żagań. | |
Henry X | 1426 | 1441-1446 | before 28 May 1452 | Legnica (Oława) | Regional duke in Legnica, jointly with his brother, John I. In 1446, due to the difficult financial situation, Lubin was sold to the Duchy of Żagań. | |
John I | 1425 | 1443-1450 | after 21 November 1453 | Brzeg | Jointly with his brother Henry X. In 1450 Brzeg is sold to Opole. | |
Henry X | 1426 | 1443-1450 | before 28 May 1452 | Brzeg | Jointly with his brother John I. In 1450 Brzeg is sold to Opole. | |
Conrad IX the Black | 1415 | 1450-1471 | 14 August 1471 | Oleśnica | Son of Conrad V. Ruled jointly with his brother Conrad X, until 1452. | |
Conrad X the White | 1420 | 1450-1452 | 21 September 1492 | Oleśnica | Son of Conrad V. Ruled jointly with his brother Conrad IX. 1st time | |
Nicholas I | 1424 | 1450-1476 | 3 July 1476 | Brzeg | Duke of Opole, buys Brzeg in 1450. | |
Frederick I | 3 May 1446 | 1455–1488 | 9 May 1488 | Legnica | Legnica became independent from Bohemia in 1455 | |
Margareta of Celje | 1411 | 1460-1480 | 22 July 1480 | Głogów (Half 2) | Widow of Wladysław I. Ruled jointly with Przemysław III. | |
Przemysław III | 1422/5 | 1460-1477 | 18 March 1477 | Głogów (Half 2) | Ruled jointly with Margaret of Celje. 2nd time. | |
John II the Mad | 16 April 1435 | 1461-1468 | 22 September 1504 | Żagań | Ruled alone. 2nd time | |
Henry XI | 1435 | 1467-1476 | 22 February 1476 | Głogów (Half 1) | Son of Henry IX the Older. | |
Balthasar | File:BaltazarZagan.jpg | 1415 | 1468-1472 | 15 July 1472 | Żagań | Ruled alone. 2nd time |
Margareta of Rawa | 1441 | 1471-1475 | 1 September 1485 | Oleśnica | Widow of Conrad IX. | |
John II the Mad | 16 April 1435 | 1472 | 22 September 1504 | Żagań | 3rd time. In 1472 Żagań is sold to the Duchy of Saxony. | |
Barbara | 1465 | 1475-1478 | 30 November 1479 | Oleśnica | Daughter of Conrad IX. Deposed in 1478 and died in the next year. | |
John II the Mad | 16 April 1435 | 1476/1480-1488 | 22 September 1504 | Głogów (Halves 1 and 2) | In 1480 John II reunites both parts of Głogów. In 1488 Głogów is annexed by the Kingdom of Poland. | |
John II the Good | File:JantheGood.jpg | 1460 | 1476-1481 | 27 March 1532 | Brzeg | Duke of Opole, ruled jointly with his brother Nicholas. In 1481 sold Brzegto Frederick I of Legnica. |
Nicholas II | 1462 | 1476-1481 | 27 June 1497 | Brzeg | Duke of Opole, ruled jointly with his brother John. In 1481 sold Brzeg to Frederick I of Legnica. | |
Conrad X the White | 1420 | 1478-1492 | 21 September 1492 | Oleśnica | Ruled alone. 2nd time. In 1492 Oleśnica was annexed by the Kingdom of Bohemia. | |
Frederick I | 3 May 1446 | 1481–1488 | 9 May 1488 | Brzeg | In 1481 Frederick I of Legnica purchased Brzeg from Opole. | |
Ludmila of Poděbrady | 16 October 1446 | 1488-1503 | 20 January 1503 | Brzeg | Widow of Frederick I. | |
John II | 1477 | 1488–1495 | 6 March 1495 | Legnica | jointly with his brothers, Frederick II and George I | |
Frederick II the Great | 12 February 1480 | 1488–1547 | 17 September 1547 | Legnica | jointly with his brothers, John II and George I. | |
George I | 1481/3 | 1488–1521 | 30 May 1521 | Legnica | Jointly with his brothers John II and Frederick II. | |
Frederick II the Great | 12 February 1480 | 1503–1547 | 17 September 1547 | Brzeg | jointly with his brother George I. | |
George I | 1481/3 | 1503–1521 | 30 May 1521 | Brzeg | Jointly with his brother Frederick II. | |
Frederick III | 22 February 1520 | 1547–1559 | 15 December 1570 | Legnica | ||
George II the Pious | 18 July 1523 | 1547-1586 | 7 May 1586 | Brzeg | Jointly with his brother Frederick II. | |
Henry XI | 23 February 1539 | 1559–1581 | 3 March 1588 | Legnica | ||
Frederick IV | 20 April 1552 | 1581–1596 | 27 March 1596 | Legnica | ||
Barbara of Brandenburg | 10 August 1527 | 1586-1595 | 2 January 1595 | Brzeg | Widow of George II. | |
Joachim Frederick | 29 September 1550 | 1595–1602 | 25 March 1602 | Brzeg | ||
Joachim Frederick | 29 September 1550 | 1596–1602 | 25 March 1602 | Legnica | ||
George Rudolf | 12 January 1595 | 1602–1653 | 14 January 1653 | Legnica | jointly with his brother, John Christian | |
John Christian | 28 August 1591 | 1602–1612 | 25 December 1639 | Legnica | jointly with his brother, George Rudolf. | |
George Rudolf | 12 January 1595 | 1602–1612 | 14 January 1653 | Brzeg | jointly with his brother, John Christian | |
John Christian | 28 August 1591 | 1602–1633 | 25 December 1639 | Brzeg | jointly with his brother, George Rudolf. | |
George III | 4 September 1611 | 1633–1664 | 4 July 1664 | Brzeg | ||
Louis IV | 19 April 1616 | 1653–1663 | 24 November 1653 | Legnica | ||
Christian | 9 April 1618 | 1653–1654 | 28 February 1672 | Legnica | ||
George III | 4 September 1611 | 1653–1654 | 4 July 1664 | Legnica | ||
Christian | 9 April 1618 | 1663–1672 | 28 February 1672 | Legnica | ||
George III | 4 September 1611 | 1663–1664 | 4 July 1664 | Legnica | ||
Christian | 9 April 1618 | 1664-1672 | 28 February 1672 | Brzeg | ||
George William | 29 September 1660 | 1672–1675 | 21 November 1675 | Legnica | ||
George William | 29 September 1660 | 1672-1675 | 21 November 1675 | Brzeg | ||
Louise of Anhalt-Dessau | 10 February 1631 | 1672-1680 | 25 April 1680 | Legnica (Oława) | Regional duchess in Legnica, widow of Christian. After her death the Duchy was annexed by the Holy Roman Empire. |
Upper Silesia
Upper Silesia was divided into the Duchies of Cieszyn, and Opole-Racibórz. In 1340 the Duchy of Racibórz was united with Opava, a Bohemian fief.
Duchy of Opole-Racibórz (Upper Silesia) |
In 1281, the Duchy of Cieszyn is created.
Duchy of Cieszyn (Upper Silesia) | Duchy of Opole-Racibórz (Upper Silesia) |
In 1282, the Duchies of Opole and Racibórz were created from the partition of the Duchy of Opole-Racibórz. With this partition, it was created also the Duchy of Bytom.
Duchy of Opole Duchy of Racibórz Duchy of Bytom
Duchy of Cieszyn (Upper Silesia) | Duchy of Opole (Upper Silesia) | Duchy of Racibórz (Upper Silesia) | Duchy of Bytom (Upper Silesia) |
In 1315, the Duchy of Oświęcim emerged from the Duchy of Cieszyn.
Duchy of Cieszyn (Upper Silesia) | Duchy of Oświęcim (Upper Silesia) | Duchy of Opole (Upper Silesia) | Duchy of Racibórz (Upper Silesia) | Duchy of Bytom (Upper Silesia) |
In 1445, the Duchy of Zator emerged from the Duchy of Oświęcim.
Duchy of Cieszyn (Upper Silesia) | Duchy of Oświęcim (Upper Silesia) | Duchy of Zator (Upper Silesia) | Duchy of Opole (Upper Silesia) | Duchy of Racibórz (Upper Silesia) | Duchy of Bytom (Upper Silesia) |
Dukes of Upper Silesia
Ruler | Born | Reign | Death | Ruling Part | Notes | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mieszko I Tanglefoot | 1130 | 1163-1211 | 6 May 1211 | Opole-Racibórz | First Duke of Opole-Raciborz, emerged from Silesia with the Duchy of Lower Silesia. | |
Casimir I | 1179-1180 | 1211-1230 | 13 May 1230 | Opole-Racibórz | ||
Mieszko II the Fat | 1220 | 1230-1246 | 22 October 1246 | Opole-Racibórz | ||
Władysław I | 1225 | 1246-1282 | 27 August or 13 September 1282 | Opole-Racibórz | In 1282 Opole-Raciborz was divided in various duchies, to the four sons of Władysław. | |
Przemysław | 12 June 1268 | 1282-1306 | 7 May 1306 | Racibórz | Son of Władysław of Opole-Racibórz. Ruled jointly with his brother Mieszko I. | |
Mieszko I | 1252/6 | 1282-1290 | 27 June 1315 | Racibórz | Son of Władysław of Opole-Raciborz. Ruled jointly with his brother Przemysław. | |
Bolko I | before 21 October 1258 | 1282-1313 | 14 May 1313 | Opole | Ruled with his brother Casimir until 1284. | |
Casimir | 1253/7 | 1282-1284 | 10 March 1312 | Opole | Ruled with his brother Bolko I. | |
Casimir | 1253/7 | 1284-1312 | 10 March 1312 | Bytom | First duke of Bytom, which emerged from Opole-Racibórz. | |
Mieszko I | 1252/6 | 1290-1315 | 27 June 1315 | Cieszyn | First duke of Cieszyn. Also duke of Racibórz. | |
Leszek | 1292 | 1306-1336 | 1336 | Racibórz | Son of Przemysław I. After his death in 1336, Raciborz was annexed by the Kingdom of Bohemia. | |
Siemowit | 1292 | 1312-1316 | after 1 July 1342 | Bytom | Son of Casimir. Deposed in 1316. | |
Bolko II | before 1300 | 1313-1356 | 21 June 1356 | Opole | Ruled with his brothers Albert until 1323. | |
Albert | after 1300 | 1313-1323 | 25 September 1373 | Opole | Ruled with his brother Bolko II. | |
Casimir I | 1280/90 | 1315-1358 | 29 September 1358 | Cieszyn | ||
Władysław | 1275/80 | 1315-1324 | 15 May 1324 | Oświęcim | First Duke of Oświęcim, which emerged from Cieszyn. | |
Władysław | 1277/83 | 1316-1352 | 8 September 1352 | Bytom | Brother of Siemowit. Ruled jointly with his brother George until 1327. | |
George | 1300 | 1316-1327 | 1327 | Bytom | Ruled jointly with his brother Władysław. | |
John I the Scholastic | 1308/10 | 1324-1372 | 29 September 1372 | Oświęcim | ||
Bolesław | 1330 | 1352-1355 | 4 October 1355 | Bytom | Son of Władysław. | |
Margareta of Sternberg | ? | 1355-1357 | after 5 June 1365 | Bytom | Widow of Bolesław. In 1357, the duchy was divided in two parts, being one annexed by the Duchy of Oleśnica, and the other annexed by the Duchy of Cieszyn. | |
Władysław II | 1332 | 1356-1396 | 18 May 1401 | Opole | Ruled with his brothers Henry and Bolko III. | |
Henry | before 18 August 1338 | 1356-1365 | before 23 October 1365 | Opole | Ruled with his brothers Władysław II and Bolko III | |
Bolko III | 1337 | 1356-1370 | 21 October 1382 | Opole | Ruled with his brothers Władysław II and Henry. | |
Przemysław I Noszak | 1332/6 | 1358-1410 | 23 May 1410 | Cieszyn | Also Duke of Głogów. | |
John II | 1344/51 | 1372-1376 | 19 February 1376 | Oświęcim | Son of John I. | |
John III | 1366 | 1376-1405 | 19 August 1405 | Oświęcim | Son of John II. | |
Bolko IV | 1363/7 | 1396-1437 | 6 May 1437 | Opole | Ruled with his brothers Jan Kropidło and Bernard. | |
Bishop Jan Kropidło | 1360/4 | 1396-1421 | 3 March 1421 | Opole | Ruled with his brothers Nicholas I and Bolko IV. | |
Bernard | 1374/8 | 1396-1400 | 2/4 April 1455 | Opole | Ruled with his brothers John I and Jan Kropidło | |
Bolko V the Hussite | c.1400 | 1422-1424 | 29 May 1460 | Opole | Ruled jointly with his father Bolko IV. | |
Przemysław I | 1362 | 1405-1406 | 1 January 1406 | Oświęcim | Son of Przemysław Noszak of Cieszyn. | |
Casimir I | 1396 | 1406-1434 | 7 April 1434 | Oświęcim | Son of Przemysław I. | |
Bolesław I | 1363 | 1410-1431 | 6 May 1431 | Cieszyn | Also Duke of Głogów. | |
Wenceslaus I | 1413/8 | 1431-1468 | 1474 | Cieszyn | Also Duke of Głogów. Ruled jointly with Władysław I, Przemysław II and Bolesław II. | |
Bolesław II | 1425/8 | 1431-1442 | 4 October 1452 | Cieszyn | Also Duke of Głogów. Ruled jointly with Władysław I, Wenceslaus I and Przemysław II. | |
Władysław I | 1420 | 1431-1442 | 14 February 1460 | Cieszyn | Also Duke of Głogów. Ruled jointly with Wenceslaus I, Przemysław II and Bolesław II. | |
Przemysław II | 1422/5 | 1431-1442 | 18 March 1477 | Cieszyn | Also Duke of Głogów. Ruled jointly with Władysław I, Wenceslaus I and Bolesław II. 1st time. | |
Wenceslaus I | File:Waclaw of Zator.jpg | 1418 | 1434-1445 | c.28 July 1368 | Oświęcim | Son of Casimir I. Ruled jointly with his brothers Przemysław II and John IV. |
Przemysław II | 1425 | 1434-1445 | December 1484 | Oświęcim | Son of Casimir I. Ruled jointly with his brothers Wenceslaus I and John IV. | |
John IV | 1426/30 | 1434-1457 | c.21 February 1497 | Oświęcim | Son of Casimir I. Ruled jointly with his brothers Przemysław II and Wenceslaus I, until 1445. After his death in 1457, Oświęcim is annexed by the Kingdom of Poland. | |
John I | 1410/3 | 1437-1439 | 5 September 1439 | Opole | Ruled with his brother Nicholas I. | |
Nicholas I | 1424 | 1437-1476 | 3 July 1476 | Opole | Ruled with his brother John I until 1439. | |
Wenceslaus I | File:Waclaw of Zator.jpg | 1418 | 1445-1468 | c.28 July 1368 | Zator | First duke of Zator, which emerged from Oświęcim. |
Przemysław II | 1422/5 | 1468-1477 | 18 March 1477 | Cieszyn | Ruled alone. 2nd time. | |
Casimir II | 1450 | 1468-1490 | 8 January/7 July 1490 | Zator and Zator (Half 1) | Ruled jointly with his brothers Wenceslaus II, John V and Wladysław until 1474. Since 1474, ruled Half 1 of Zator, jointly with Wenceslaus II. | |
Wenceslaus II | 1450/55 | 1468-1487 | beforev5 October 1487 | Zator and Zator (Half 1) | Ruled jointly with his brothers Casimir II, John V and Wladysław until 1474. Since 1474, ruled Half 1 of Zator, jointly with Casimir II. | |
Wladysław | 1455 | 1468-1482 | 28 May or 21 September 1494 | Zator and Zator (Half 2) | Ruled jointly with his brothers Casimir II, Wenceslaus II and John V until 1474. Since 1474, ruled Half 2 of Zator, jointly with John V. | |
John V | before 1455 | 1468-1513 | 17 September 1513 | Zator and Zator (Half 2) | Ruled jointly with his brothers Casimir II, Wenceslaus II and Wladysław until 1474. Since 1474, ruled Half 2 of Zator, jointly with Wladysław. In 1490 he reunifies the duchy as its sole ruler. In 1513 the Duchy is annexed by the Kingdom of Poland. | |
John II the Good | File:JantheGood.jpg | 1460 | 1476-1521 | 27 March 1532 | Opole | Ruled jointly with his brother Nicholas until 1497. |
Nicholas II | 1462 | 1476-1497 | 27 June 1497 | Opole | Ruled jointly with his brother John. | |
Casimir II | 1449 | 1477-1528 | 13 December 1528 | Cieszyn | Ruled with his son Wenceslaus II. | |
Wenceslaus II | 1488/96 | 1518-1524 | 17 November 1524 | Cieszyn | Ruled with his father Casimir II. | |
John II the Good | File:JantheGood.jpg | 1460 | 1521 | 27 March 1532 | Racibórz | Purchased Raciborz from the Kingdom of Bohemia, to reunite it with Opole and recreate the Duchy of Opole-Raciborz. |
John II the Good | File:JantheGood.jpg | 1460 | 1521-1532 | 27 March 1532 | Opole-Racibórz | Reunites Opole and Racibórz to recreate the Duchy of Opole-Racibórz, but dies without children; after his death in 1532, the Duchy is annexed by Brandenburg. |
Wenceslaus III Adam | December 1524 | 1528-1579 | 4 November 1579 | Cieszyn | ||
Adam Wenceslaus | 12 December 1574 | 1579-1617 | 13 July 1617 | Cieszyn | ||
Frederick William | 9 November 1601 | 1617-1625 | 19 August 1625 | Cieszyn | ||
Elizabeth Lucretia | 1 June 1599 | 1625-1653 | 19 May 1653 | Cieszyn | After her death, Cieszyn was annexed by the Holy Roman Empire. |
Ecclesiastical Duchy of Nysa
Established in 1290 by High Duke Henry IV Probus, held by the Bishops of Wrocław
- 1302–1319 Henry of Wiebrzno
- 1326–1341 Nankier
- 1342–1376 Przecław of Pogarell
- 1382–1417 Wenceslaus II of Legnica
- 1417–1447 Konrad IV of Oleśnica
- 1447–1456 Peter II Nowak
- 1456–1467 Jošt of Rožmberk
- 1468–1482 Rudolf of Rüdesheim
- 1482–1506 Jan IV Roth
- 1506–1520 Jan V Thurzo
- 1520–1539 Jacob of Salza
- 1539–1562 Balthazar of Promnitz
- 1562–1574 Caspar of Logau
- 1574–1585 Martin Gerstmann
- 1585–1596 Andreas Jerin
- 1596–1599 Bonaventura Hahn
- 1599–1600 Paul Albert of Radolfzell
- 1600–1608 Jan VI of Sitsch
- 1608–1624 Charles of Austria, son of Charles II, Archduke of Austria
- 1625–1655 Karol Ferdynand Vasa, Duke of Opole from 1648
- 1656–1662 Leopold Wilhelm of Habsburg
- 1663–1664 Charles Joseph of Habsburg, also Grand Master of the Teutonic Order from 1662
- 1665–1671 Sebastian von Rostock
- 1671–1682 Frederick of Hesse-Darmstadt
- 1683–1732 Franz Ludwig von Pfalz-Neuburg
- 1732–1747 Philipp Ludwig von Sinzendorf
Major part annexed by the Kingdom of Prussia after the First Silesian War in 1742.
- 1747–1795 Philipp Gotthard von Schaffgotsch
- 1795–1817 Joseph Christian Franz zu Hohenlohe-Waldenburg-Bartenstein
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.
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
References
- Neue deutsche Biographie, Berlin 2001, Bd.: 20, p. 403-407
- Meyers Großes Konversations-Lexikon, Leipzig 1905–1909, Bd.: 17, p. 845-847
Sites
http://www.tacitus.nu/historical-atlas/regents/poland/silesia.htm