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

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

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

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		1251/60	1274-1309	3 December 1309	Głogów	Son of Conrad I.
Conrad II the Hunchback		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		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		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		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		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		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		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		1319	1342-1369	after 8 April 1369	Żagań	Son of Henry IV.
Henry V of Iron		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		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		1350	1369-1378	24 December 1395	Żagań	Son of Henry V. Ruled jointly with Henry VI and Henry VIII.
Henry VIII the Sparrow		1357	1369-1378	14 March 1397	Żagań	Son of Henry V. Ruled jointly with Henry VI and Henry VII.
Henry VI the Older		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		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		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		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		1385	1397-1412	12 April 1439	Głogów (Half 1)	Ruled until 1412 with Henry IX, Henry X, and Wenceslaus.
Henry IX the Older		1387	1397-1467	11 November 1467	Głogów (Half 1)	Ruled with John I, Henry X and Wenceslaus
Henry X Rumpold		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		1385	1403-1439	12 April 1439	Żagań	Ruled until 1412 with Henry IX, Henry X, and Wenceslaus.
Henry IX the Older		1387	1403-1412	11 November 1467	Żagań	Ruled with John I, Henry X and Wenceslaus
Henry X Rumpold		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		1415	1439-1461	15 July 1472	Żagań	Ruled with Rudolf, Wenceslaus II and John II. 1st time.
Rudolf		1418	1439-1454	18 September 1454	Żagań	Ruled with Balthasar, Wenceslaus II and John II
Wenceslaus II		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		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		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

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

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		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		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		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		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		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