Duchy of Bytom

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The Duchy of Bytom (Polish: Księstwo Bytomskie) or Duchy of Beuthen (German: Herzogtum Beuthen) was one of many duchies of Silesia. Established ca. 1281, its capital was Bytom (Beuthen).

In 1281 the Duchy of Zator was created during the division of Duchy of Opole. It quickly fell under Bohemian influence. Between 1369 and 1475 the Duchy of Oleśnica was split from it, but was eventually reunited under Matthias Corvinus of Hungary. In 1498 the duchy was merged back into the Duchy of Opole. In 1526 the duchy was acquired by George, Margrave of Brandenburg-Ansbach, and for the next few centuries it would be part of the Holy Roman Empire.