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

Piast Dynasty

RulerBornReignDeathRuling PartNotes
Władysław the Exile 11051138–1146 30 May 1159Silesia also monarch of Poland
exiled by his brothers
Bolesław the Curly 11251146–1163 5 January 1173Silesia 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

1138-1248
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

1248-1251
Duchy of Wrocław (Lower Silesia) Duchy of Legnica (Lower Silesia)

In 1251, in Lower Silesia, the Duchy of Glogów emerged from Wrocław.

      Duchy of Głogów

1251-1274
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

1274-1311
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 Brzeg

1311-1313
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 Oleśnica

1313-1322
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 Ziębice

1322-1335
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

Piast Dynasty
RulerBornReignDeathRuling PartNotes
Bolesław I the Tall 11271163–12018 December 1201Lower Silesia
Henry I the Bearded 11651201–123819 March 1238Lower Silesia also monarch of Poland.
Henry II the Pious 11961238–12419 April 1241Lower Silesia also monarch of Poland.
Henry III the White 1227 or 12301241–1266 3 December 1266Wrocław Son of Henry II the Pious
Bolesław II the Bald c. 1220/51241–127826–31 December 1278Legnica Brother of Henry III the White. He gained Legnica in the partition of 1248.
Conrad I 1228/311251-12746 August 1274Głogów First duke of Głogów. Brother of Henry III the White and Boleslaw II the Bald.
Henry IV Probus1257/1258266–129023 June 1290Wrocław also monarch of Poland
Henry V the Fat 12481278–129622 February 1296Legnica son of Boleslaw II.
Henry V the Fat 12481273–1278 22 February 1296Świdnica-Jawor Rules also in Legnica.
Henry III 1251/601274-13093 December 1309Głogów Son of Conrad I.
Conrad II the Hunchback 1252/651274-128911 October 1304Głogów Brother of Henry III. Jointly with his brother Henry III.
Przemko I 1252/651274-128926 February 1289Głogów Brother of Henry III and Conrad II. Ruled jointly with them.
Przemko I 1252/651274-1284 26 February 1289Żagań Żagań emerged in 1274 from Głogów.
Bolko I the Strict 1252/61278–13019 November 1301 Świdnica-Jawor jointly with Bernard I.
Bernard I the Lightsome 1253/71278–128625 April 1286 Świdnica-Jawor jointly with Bolko I.
Conrad II the Hunchback 1252/651284-130411 October 1304Żagań Brother of Przemko. Also Duke of Głogów.
Henry V the Fat 12481290–129622 February 1296Wrocław son of Boleslaw II. Also duke of Legnica.
Bolesław III the Generous 23 September 12911296–134221 April 1352Legnica jointly with his brothers, Henry VI and Wladyslaw.
Henry VI the Good 18 March 12941296–133524 November 1335Legnica jointly with his brothers, Boleslaw III and Wladyslaw.
Władysław6 June 12961296–1312after 13 January 1352Legnica jointly with his brothers, Boleslaw III and Henry VI.
Bolesław III the Generous 23 September 12911296–131121 April 1352Wrocław Also duke of Legnica, Brzeg and Opava
Henry I1292/61301–1346 before 15 May 1346Świdnica-Jawor jointly with Bernard II until 1312, Bolko II from 1326 to 1346, and Henry II from 1334 to 1343.
Bernard II12911301–1312 6 May 1326Świdnica-Jawor jointly with Henry I.
Bolko II the Small 13121326–136828 July 1368 Świdnica-Jawor Son of Bernard II. Jointly with Henry I until 1346.
Henry II13161334–134328 June 1345 Świdnica-Jawor Son of Bernard II. Jointly with Bolko II and Henry I.
Henry III 1251/601304-13093 December 1309Żagań Also Duke of Głogów.
Matilda of Brunswick-Lüneburg 12761309-131826 April 1318Głogów Widow of Henry III.
Henry IV the Faithful 12921309-134222 Jabuary 1342Żagań Also Duke of Głogów.
Conrad I 12941309-131222 December 1366Żagań Also Duke of Olesnica. Jointly with Henry IV and Przemko II.
Przemko II 13051309-1321 11 January 1331Żagań Also Duke of Głogów. Jointly with Conrad I and Henry IV.
Conrad I 12941309-136622 December 1366 Oleśnica First duke of Oleśnica.
Władysław6 June 12961311–1312after 13 January 1352Brzeg With his rule, Brzeg emerged as an independent duchy.
Henry VI the Good 18 March 12941311–133524 November 1335Wrocław 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 12911312-135221 April 1352Brzeg Also duke of Legnica, Opava and Wrocław.
Henry IV the Faithful 12921318-1321 22 January 1342Głogów Ruled Głogów with Przemko II.
Przemko II 13051318-133111 January 1331 Głogów Ruled Głogów with Henry IV. In 1331 the duchy is annexed by the Kingdom of Bohemia.
Bolko II 1 February 13001322-134111 June 1341 Ziębice First duke of Ziębice. Son of Bolko I the Strict.
Henry I1292/61337-1346before 15 May 1346Głogów In 1337 Głogów re-emerges from Bohemia, and is annexed again in 1346.
Nicholas the Small 13271341-1358 23 April 1358 Ziębice
Wenceslaus I 13181342–1364 2 June 1364Legnica
Louis I the Fair 13211342–13986–23 December 1398Legnica jointly with his brother Wenceslaus I.
Henry V of Iron 13191342-1369 after 8 April 1369Żagań Son of Henry IV.
Henry V of Iron 13191349-1369 after 8 April 1369Głogów (Half 1) In 1349 Half 1 of Głogów reemerges from Bohemia to be annexed by Żagań line of the Piasts.
Katharina of Croatia ?1352-1358before 5 March 1358Brzeg Widow of Bolesław III the Generous.
Louis I the Fair 13211358–13986–23 December 1398Brzeg Stepson of Katharina; also duke of Legnica.
Henry VII the Courageous 1343/51361-139911 July 1399Brzeg Duke of Brzeg jointly with his father Louis I.
Bolko III 13481358-141013 June 1410 Ziębice Son of Nicholas the Small. Ruled jointly with his brother Henry I.
Henry I 13501358-1366 after 8 August 1366Ziębice Son of Nicholas the Small. Ruled jointly with his brother Bolko III.
Constance of Świdnica13131360-136121 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 13121361–136828 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 13471364–1409before 12 January 1409Legnica
Wenceslaus II 13481364–141330 December 1419 Legnica
Boleslaw IV 13491364–13943/4 March 1394Legnica jointly with Henry VIII, Wenceslaus II and Rupert
Henry VIII 13551364–1398 12 December 1398Legnica jointly with Boleslaw IV, Wenceslaus II, and Rupert.
Conrad II the Gray 13401366-140310 June 1403Oleśnica Son of Conrad I.
Agnes of Austria 13221368–1392 2 February 1392Świdnica-Jaworwidow 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 before 13451369-13935 December 1393Żagań Son of Henry V. Ruled jointly with Henry VII and Henry VIII until 1378.
Henry VII Rumpold 13501369-137824 December 1395Żagań Son of Henry V. Ruled jointly with Henry VI and Henry VIII.
Henry VIII the Sparrow 13571369-137814 March 1397Żagań Son of Henry V. Ruled jointly with Henry VI and Henry VII.
Henry VI the Older before 13451369-1378 5 December 1393Głogów (Half 1) Son of Henry V. Ruled jointly with Henry VII and Henry VIII.
Henry VII Rumpold 13501369-1395 24 December 1395Głogów (Half 1) Son of Henry V. Ruled jointly with Henry VI and Henry VIII until 1378.
Henry VIII the Sparrow 13571369-1378 14 March 1397Głogów (Half 1) Son of Henry V. Ruled jointly with Henry VI and Henry VII.
Przemysław I Noszak 1332/61384-1404 23 May 1410Głogów (Half 2) Also Duke of Cieszyn. The 2nd half of the duchy of Głogów re-emerges from Bohemia. 1st time.
Hedwig of Legnica 13511393-14031 August 1409Żagań Widow of Henry VI.
Henry VIII the Sparrow 13571395-1397 14 March 1397Głogów (Half 1) Ruled alone.
Henry IX 13691396-142010 July 1420 Legnica (Lubin) Regional duke in Legnica. Also duke of Brzeg.
John I 13851397-1412 12 April 1439Głogów (Half 1) Ruled until 1412 with Henry IX, Henry X, and Wenceslaus.
Henry IX the Older 13871397-1467 11 November 1467Głogów (Half 1) Ruled with John I, Henry X and Wenceslaus
Henry X Rumpold 13901397-1423 18 January 1423Głogów (Half 1) Ruled with John I, Henry IX and Wenceslaus
Wenceslaus I 13911397-1417 before 4 February 1431 Głogów (Half 1) Ruled with John I, Henry IX and Henry X
Henry IX 13691399-1400 10 July 1420Brzeg Also duke of Legnica (in Lubin). Jointly with his half-brother Louis II.
Louis II 1380/51399–143630 May 1436Brzeg Jointly with his half-brother Henry IX. Also duke of Legnica.
Conrad III the Old 13591403-1412 28 December 1412Oleśnica Son of Conrad II.
John I 13851403-1439 12 April 1439Żagań Ruled until 1412 with Henry IX, Henry X, and Wenceslaus.
Henry IX the Older 13871403-1412 11 November 1467Żagań Ruled with John I, Henry X and Wenceslaus
Henry X Rumpold 13901403-1412 18 January 1423Żagań Ruled with John I, Henry IX and Wenceslaus
Wenceslaus I 13911403-1412before 4 February 1431Żagań Ruled with John I, Henry IX and Henry X
Przemysław II 13621404-14061 January 1406 Głogów (Half 2) Also Duke of Oświęcim. Son of Przemysław I.
Przemysław I Noszak 1332/61406-1410 23 May 1410Głogów (Half 2) Also Duke of Cieszyn. 2nd time.
Bolesław I 13631410-1431 6 May 1431Głogów (Half 2) Also Duke of Cieszyn.
John I 13581410-1428 27 August 1428Ziębice 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 13961410-142011 March 1420 Ziębice Son of Bolko III. Ruled jointly with his brother John I.
Euphemia 13851435-1442 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 13841412-14169 August 1447Oleśnica Son of Conrad III. Ruled jointly with his brother Conrad V.
Conrad V Kantner 13851412-143910 September 1439Oleśnica Son of Conrad III. Ruled jointly with his brothers Conrad IV, Conrad VI, Conrad VII and Conrad VIII until 1427.
Conrad VI the Dean 13911416-14273 September 1427Oleśnica Son of Conrad III. Ruled jointly with his brothers Conrad V, Conrad VII and Conrad VIII.
Conrad VII the White after 13961416-142714 February 1452Oleśnica Son of Conrad III. Ruled jointly with his brothers Conrad V, Conrad VI and Conrad VIII. 1st time
Conrad VIII the Younger after 13971416-14275 September 1444Oleśnica Son of Conrad III. Ruled jointly with his brothers Conrad V, Conrad VI and Conrad VII.
Louis II 1380/51413–143630 May 1436Legnica Also duke of Brzeg.
Rupert II1396/14021420-143124 August 1431 Legnica (Lubin) Regional duke in Legnica. Jointly with his brother Louis.
Wenceslaus III 14001420-142314 January or 28 May 1423Legnica (Oława) Regional duke in Legnica.
Louis III before 14051423-1441before 18 June 1441 Legnica (Oława) Regional duke in Legnica. From 1431 also duke of Legnica (in Lubin).
Louis III before 14051431-1441before 18 June 1441 Legnica (Lubin) Regional duke in Legnica. Since 1423 duke of Legnica (in Oława).
Władysław I 14201431-146014 February 1460 Głogów (Half 2) Also Duke of Cieszyn. Ruled jointly with Wenceslaus I, Przemysław III and Bolesław II.
Wenceslaus I 1413/81431-14421474 Głogów (Half 2) Also Duke of Cieszyn. Ruled jointly with Władysław I, Przemysław III and Bolesław II.
Przemysław III 1422/51431-1442 18 March 1477Głogów (Half 2) Also Duke of Cieszyn. Ruled jointly with Władysław I, Wenceslaus I and Bolesław II. 1st time.
Bolesław II 1425/81431-1442 4 October 1452Głogów (Half 2) Also Duke of Cieszyn. Ruled jointly with Władysław I, Wenceslaus I and Przemysław III.
Elisabeth of Brandenburg29 September 14031436–144931 October 1449Legnica Widow of Louis II. After her death in 1449, Legnica is annexed by the Kingdom of Bohemia.
Elisabeth of Brandenburg29 September 14031436–144331 October 1449Brzeg Also duchess in Legnica. In 1443 is forced to give Brzeg to John I and Henry X of Lubin.
Margareta of Opole 1412/41431-144115 January 1454 Legnica (Oława) Regional duchess in Legnica, widow of Louis III
Conrad VII the White after 13961439-1450 14 February 1452Oleśnica Ruled alone. 2nd time.
Balthasar 14151439-146115 July 1472Żagań Ruled with Rudolf, Wenceslaus II and John II. 1st time.
Rudolf 14181439-145418 September 1454Żagań Ruled with Balthasar, Wenceslaus II and John II
Wenceslaus II 14341439-144929 April 1488Żagań Ruled with Balthasar, Rudolf and John II.
John II the Mad 16 April 14351439-144922 September 1504Żagań Ruled with Balthasar, Rudolf and Wenceslaus II. 1st time.
John I 14251441-1446after 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 14261441-1446before 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 14251443-1450 after 21 November 1453 Brzeg Jointly with his brother Henry X. In 1450 Brzeg is sold to Opole.
Henry X 14261443-1450 before 28 May 1452 Brzeg Jointly with his brother John I. In 1450 Brzeg is sold to Opole.
Conrad IX the Black 14151450-147114 August 1471Oleśnica Son of Conrad V. Ruled jointly with his brother Conrad X, until 1452.
Conrad X the White 14201450-145221 September 1492Oleśnica Son of Conrad V. Ruled jointly with his brother Conrad IX. 1st time
Nicholas I 14241450-14763 July 1476Brzeg Duke of Opole, buys Brzeg in 1450.
Frederick I 3 May 14461455–14889 May 1488Legnica Legnica became independent from Bohemia in 1455
Margareta of Celje14111460-1480 22 July 1480Głogów (Half 2) Widow of Wladysław I. Ruled jointly with Przemysław III.
Przemysław III 1422/51460-1477 18 March 1477Głogów (Half 2) Ruled jointly with Margaret of Celje. 2nd time.
John II the Mad 16 April 14351461-146822 September 1504Żagań Ruled alone. 2nd time
Henry XI 14351467-147622 February 1476 Głogów (Half 1) Son of Henry IX the Older.
Balthasar 14151468-1472 15 July 1472Żagań Ruled alone. 2nd time
Margareta of Rawa 14411471-14751 September 1485Oleśnica Widow of Conrad IX.
John II the Mad 16 April 1435147222 September 1504 Żagań 3rd time. In 1472 Żagań is sold to the Duchy of Saxony.
Barbara 14651475-147830 November 1479 Oleśnica Daughter of Conrad IX. Deposed in 1478 and died in the next year.
John II the Mad 16 April 14351476/1480-1488 22 September 1504 Głogów (Halfs 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 14601476-148127 March 1532 Brzeg Duke of Opole, ruled jointly with his brother Nicholas. In 1481 sold Brzegto Frederick I of Legnica.
Nicholas II 14621476-148127 June 1497Brzeg Duke of Opole, ruled jointly with his brother John. In 1481 sold Brzeg to Frederick I of Legnica.
Conrad X the White 14201478-149221 September 1492 Oleśnica Ruled alone. 2nd time. In 1492 Oleśnica was annexed by the Kingdom of Bohemia.
Frederick I 3 May 14461481–1488 9 May 1488Brzeg In 1481 Frederick I of Legnica purchased Brzeg from Opole.
Ludmila of Poděbrady 16 October 14461488-150320 January 1503Brzeg Widow of Frederick I.
John II 14771488–14956 March 1495Legnica jointly with his brothers, Frederick II and George I
Frederick II the Great 12 February 1480 1488–154717 September 1547Legnica jointly with his brothers, John II and George I.
George I 1481/31488–152130 May 1521 Legnica Jointly with his brothers John II and Frederick II.
Frederick II the Great 12 February 14801503–154717 September 1547Brzeg jointly with his brother George I.
George I 1481/31503–152130 May 1521Brzeg Jointly with his brother Frederick II.
Frederick III 22 February 15201547–155915 December 1570Legnica
George II the Pious 18 July 15231547-15867 May 1586Brzeg Jointly with his brother Frederick II.
Henry XI 23 February 15391559–15813 March 1588Legnica
Frederick IV 20 April 15521581–159627 March 1596Legnica
Barbara of Brandenburg 10 August 15271586-15952 January 1595Brzeg Widow of George II.
Joachim Frederick 29 September 15501595–160225 March 1602Brzeg
Joachim Frederick 29 September 15501596–160225 March 1602Legnica
George Rudolf 12 January 15951602–1653 14 January 1653Legnica jointly with his brother, John Christian
John Christian 28 August 15911602–161225 December 1639Legnica jointly with his brother, George Rudolf.
George Rudolf 12 January 15951602–1612 14 January 1653Brzeg jointly with his brother, John Christian
John Christian 28 August 15911602–163325 December 1639Brzeg jointly with his brother, George Rudolf.
George III 4 September 16111633–16644 July 1664Brzeg
Louis IV 19 April 16161653–166324 November 1653Legnica
Christian 9 April 16181653–165428 February 1672Legnica
George III 4 September 16111653–16544 July 1664Legnica
Christian 9 April 16181663–167228 February 1672Legnica
George III 4 September 16111663–16644 July 1664Legnica
Christian 9 April 16181664-167228 February 1672Brzeg
George William 29 September 16601672–167521 November 1675Legnica
George William 29 September 16601672-167521 November 1675Brzeg
Louise of Anhalt-Dessau 10 February 16311672-168025 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

1173-1281
Duchy of Opole-Racibórz (Upper Silesia)

In 1281, the Duchy of Cieszyn is created.

      Duchy of Cieszyn

1281-1282
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

1282-1315
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 Oświęcim

1315-1445
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 Zator

1315-1445
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

Piast Dynasty
RulerBornReignDeathRuling PartNotes
Mieszko I Tanglefoot 11301163-12116 May 1211 Opole-Racibórz First Duke of Opole-Raciborz, emerged from Silesia with the Duchy of Lower Silesia.
Casimir I 1179-11801211-1230 13 May 1230 Opole-Racibórz
Mieszko II the Fat 12201230-1246 22 October 1246 Opole-Racibórz
Władysław I 12251246-128227 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 12681282-13067 May 1306 Racibórz Son of Władysław of Opole-Racibórz. Ruled jointly with his brother Mieszko I.
Mieszko I 1252/61282-129027 June 1315 Racibórz Son of Władysław of Opole-Raciborz. Ruled jointly with his brother Przemysław.
Bolko Ibefore 21 October 12581282-131314 May 1313Opole Ruled with his brother Casimir until 1284.
Casimir 1253/71282-128410 March 1312Opole Ruled with his brother Bolko I.
Casimir 1253/71284-131210 March 1312Bytom First duke of Bytom, which emerged from Opole-Racibórz.
Mieszko I 1252/61290-131527 June 1315 Cieszyn First duke of Cieszyn. Also duke of Racibórz.
Leszek 12921306-1336 1336Racibórz Son of Przemysław I. After his death in 1336, Raciborz was annexed by the Kingdom of Bohemia.
Siemowit 12921312-1316after 1 July 1342 Bytom Son of Casimir. Deposed in 1316.
Bolko II before 13001313-135621 June 1356Opole Ruled with his brothers Albert until 1323.
Albert after 13001313-132325 September 1373Opole Ruled with his brother Bolko II.
Casimir I 1280/901315-135829 September 1358 Cieszyn
Władysław 1275/801315-132415 May 1324 Oświęcim First Duke of Oświęcim, which emerged from Cieszyn.
Władysław 1277/831316-13528 September 1352 Bytom Brother of Siemowit. Ruled jointly with his brother George until 1327.
George 13001316-13271327Bytom Ruled jointly with his brother Władysław.
John I the Scholastic 1308/101324-1372 29 September 1372Oświęcim
Bolesław 13301352-13554 October 1355Bytom Son of Władysław.
Margareta of Sternberg ?1355-1357 after 5 June 1365Bytom 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 13321356-139618 May 1401Opole Ruled with his brothers Henry and Bolko III.
Henry before 18 August 13381356-1365before 23 October 1365Opole Ruled with his brothers Władysław II and Bolko III
Bolko III 13371356-137021 October 1382Opole Ruled with his brothers Władysław II and Henry.
Przemysław I Noszak 1332/61358-1410 23 May 1410Cieszyn Also Duke of Głogów.
John II 1344/511372-137619 February 1376 Oświęcim Son of John I.
John III 13661376-1405 19 August 1405Oświęcim Son of John II.
Bolko IV 1363/71396-14376 May 1437Opole Ruled with his brothers Jan Kropidło and Bernard.
Bishop Jan Kropidło 1360/41396-14213 March 1421Opole Ruled with his brothers Nicholas I and Bolko IV.
Bernard 1374/81396-14002/4 April 1455Opole Ruled with his brothers John I and Jan Kropidło
Bolko V the Hussite c.14001422-142429 May 1460Opole Ruled jointly with his father Bolko IV.
Przemysław I 13621405-14061 January 1406 Oświęcim Son of Przemysław Noszak of Cieszyn.
Casimir I 13961406-14347 April 1434Oświęcim Son of Przemysław I.
Bolesław I 13631410-14316 May 1431 Cieszyn Also Duke of Głogów.
Wenceslaus I 1413/81431-1468 1474Cieszyn Also Duke of Głogów. Ruled jointly with Władysław I, Przemysław II and Bolesław II.
Bolesław II 1425/81431-14424 October 1452 Cieszyn Also Duke of Głogów. Ruled jointly with Władysław I, Wenceslaus I and Przemysław II.
Władysław I 14201431-144214 February 1460 Cieszyn Also Duke of Głogów. Ruled jointly with Wenceslaus I, Przemysław II and Bolesław II.
Przemysław II 1422/51431-1442 18 March 1477Cieszyn Also Duke of Głogów. Ruled jointly with Władysław I, Wenceslaus I and Bolesław II. 1st time.
Wenceslaus I 14181434-1445c.28 July 1368 Oświęcim Son of Casimir I. Ruled jointly with his brothers Przemysław II and John IV.
Przemysław II 14251434-1445December 1484Oświęcim Son of Casimir I. Ruled jointly with his brothers Wenceslaus I and John IV.
John IV 1426/301434-1457c.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 1410/31437-14395 September 1439Opole Ruled with his brother Nicholas I.
Nicholas I 14241437-14763 July 1476Opole Ruled with his brother John I until 1439.
Wenceslaus I 14181445-1468c.28 July 1368 Zator First duke of Zator, which emerged from Oświęcim.
Przemysław II 1422/51468-1477 18 March 1477Cieszyn Ruled alone. 2nd time.
Casimir II 14501468-14908 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 14551468-148228 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 14551468-151317 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 14601476-152127 March 1532 Opole Ruled jointly with his brother Nicholas until 1497.
Nicholas II 14621476-149727 June 1497Opole Ruled jointly with his brother John.
Casimir II 14491477-152813 December 1528 Cieszyn Ruled with his son Wenceslaus II.
Wenceslaus II 1488/961518-1524 17 November 1524Cieszyn Ruled with his father Casimir II.
John II the Good 14601521 27 March 1532Racibórz Purchased Raciborz from the Kingdom of Bohemia, to reunite it with Opole and recreate the Duchy of Opole-Raciborz.
John II the Good 14601521-153227 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 15241528-1579 4 November 1579Cieszyn
Adam Wenceslaus 12 December 15741579-161713 July 1617 Cieszyn
Frederick William 9 November 16011617-1625 19 August 1625Cieszyn
Elizabeth Lucretia 1 June 15991625-165319 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

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

Prussian part secularised in 1810.

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

Sites

http://www.tacitus.nu/historical-atlas/regents/poland/silesia.htm


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