Duke of Silesia

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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 ecclesiastical 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[edit]

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.

Partitions of Silesia[edit]

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[edit]

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.

Upper Silesia[edit]

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.

Piast Dukes of Silesia[edit]

Partitions of Polish Silesia under Piast dynasty[edit]

       Below follows a simplified table of Silesia's partitions:

Duchy of Silesia
(1138–1163)
       Opole-Racibórz
(Upper Silesia)
(1st creation)

(1163–1282)
                    
Wrocław
(Lower Silesia)
(1163–1335)
       Legnica
(1st creation)
(1241–1449)
       Opole
(1282–1521)[1]
Bytom
(1282–1357)
Racibórz
(1282–1340)
      
Głogów
(1st creation)
(1274–1331)
Oleśnica
(1312–1492)
Żagań
(1309–1504)
Świdnica-Jawor[2]
(1274–1392)
Ziębice
(1312–1442)
       Oświęcim
(1315–1457)
and Zator
(1445-1513)[3]
Annexed to Bohemia (1331-49)[4] Cieszyn
(1281–1653)
Annexed to Bohemia Shared inheritance of Żagań (1349-1480), with Swidnica-Jawor (1349-68), Bohemia (1368-84) and Cieszyn (1384-1480); full inheritance with Żagań (1480-88) Annexed to Bohemia
Recovered by Opole (1521)
       Lubin[5]
(1342–1550)
       Brzeg[6]
(1st creation)
(1342–1450)
Shared inheritance of Oleśnica (1357-1498) with Cieszyn (1357-1459); Full inheritance with Oleśnica (1459-98); Recovered by Opole
       Annexed to Bohemia
Annexed to Bohemia Annexed to Opole Annexed to Bohemia
      
Annexed to Poland (1488)       
Annexed to Bohemia Legnica[7]
(2nd creation)
(1454–1672)
Brzeg[8]
(2nd creation)
(1488–1672)
      
Annexed to Saxony Opole-Racibórz
(Upper Silesia)
(2nd creation)

(1521–1532)
Annexed to Poland
Annexed to Ansbach
Annexed to the Holy Roman Empire Annexed to the Holy Roman Empire

A quick reminder avoiding confusion:

Lower Silesia Upper Silesia

Table of rulers[edit]

Ruler Born Reign Ruling part Consort Death Notes
Ladislaus (II) the Exile 1105
Son of Boleslaus III of Poland and Zbyslava Sviatopolkovna of Kyiv
28 October 1138 – 1146 Duchy of Silesia Agnes of Austria
1125
five children
30 May 1159
aged 53-54
Also monarch of Poland. Exiled by his half-brothers.
Boleslaus (IV) the Curly 1122
Son of Boleslaus III of Poland and Salomea of Berg
1146 – 1163 Duchy of Silesia Viacheslava Vsevolodovna of Novgorod
1137
three children

Maria
c.1170
no children
5 January 1173
aged 50-51
Also Duke of Masovia and monarch of Poland.
Boleslaus I the Tall 1127
First son of Ladislaus II of Poland and Agnes of Austria
1163 – 8 December 1201 Duchy of Wrocław
(Lower Silesia)
Zvenislava Vsevolodovna of Kyiv
1142
two children

Christina
1157
seven children
8 December 1201
Wrocław
aged 73-74
Children of Ladislaus II of Poland, divided their inheritance in Silesia.
Mieszko I Tanglefoot 1130
Second son of Ladislaus II of Poland and Agnes of Austria
1163 – 6 May 1211 Duchy of Opole and Racibórz
(Upper Silesia)
Ludmila
c.1175
five children
6 May 1211
aged 80-81
Henry I the Bearded 1165
Głogów
Son of Boleslaus I and Christina
8 December 1201 – 19 March 1238 Duchy of Wrocław
(Lower Silesia)
Hedwig of Merania
1188
seven children
19 March 1238
Krosno Odrzańskie
aged 72-73
Also monarch of Poland.
Casimir I 1179
Son of Mieszko I and Ludmila
6 May 1211 – 13 May 1230 Duchy of Opole and Racibórz
(Upper Silesia)
Viola
c.1215
four children
13 May 1230
aged 50-51
Regencies of Viola (1230-1233), Henry I, Duke of Wrocław (1233–1238) and Henry II, Duke of Wrocław (1238–1239)
Mieszko II the Fat 1220
First son of Casimir I and Viola
13 May 1230 – 22 October 1246 Duchy of Opole and Racibórz
(Upper Silesia)
Judith of Masovia
c.1240
no children
22 October 1246
aged 25-26
Hedwig of Merania 1174
Andechs
Son of Boleslaus I and Christina
19 March 1238 – 15 October 1243 Duchy of Wrocław
(at Niemcza)
Henry I
1188
seven children
15 October 1243
Trzebnica Abbey
aged 68-69
Heirs of Henry I. His widow kept a seat at the town of Niemcza, while his son inherited the main duchy, and was also monarch of Poland.
Henry II the Pious 1196
Son of Henry I and Hedwig of Merania
19 March 1238 – 9 April 1241 Duchy of Wrocław
(Lower Silesia)
Anna of Bohemia
1216
ten children
9 April 1241
Legnickie Pole
aged 44-45
Regency of Anna of Bohemia (1241–1242) Children of Henry II, ruled initially under regency of their mother, and jointly until 1248, whe they made official the division of their inheritance.
Boleslaus II the Bald 1220
First son of Henry II and Anna of Bohemia
9 April 1241 – 31 December 1278 Duchy of Legnica Hedwig of Anhalt
1242
seven children

Euphemia of Pomerelia
1261
(annulled 1277)
no children

Sophia of Dyhrn
1277
(morganatic)
no children
31 December 1278
Legnica
aged 57-58
Henry III the White[9] 1222
Third son of Henry II and Anna of Bohemia
9 April 1241 – 3 December 1266 Duchy of Wrocław Judith of Masovia
2 June 1252
two children

Helena of Saxony
c.1255/60?
no children
3 December 1266
aged 43-44
Conrad I[10] 1228
Fourth son of Henry II and Anna of Bohemia
9 April 1241 – 6 August 1274 Duchy of Głogów Salome of Greater Poland
1249
six children

Sophie of Landsberg
1271
no children
6 August 1274
Głogów
aged 45-46
Ladislaus I 1225
Second son of Casimir I and Viola
22 October 1246 – 13 September 1282 Duchy of Opole and Racibórz
(Upper Silesia)
Euphemia of Greater Poland
1251
five children
13 September 1282
Racibórz
aged 56-57
In 1282 Opole-Racibórz was divided in various duchies, to the four sons of Władysław.
Henry IV the Righteous[11] 1257
Son of Henry III and Judith of Masovia
3 December 1266 – 23 June 1290 Duchy of Wrocław Constance of Opole
March 1280
no children

Matilda of Brandenburg-Salzwedel
c. 1288
no children
23 June 1290
Wrocław
aged 32-33
Also monarch of Poland. Left no descendants, and his portion reverted to his cousin from Legnica.
Wroclaw temporarily annexed to Legnica
Henry III[9][12] 1251
First son of Conrad I and Salome of Greater Poland
6 August 1274 – 9 December 1309 Duchy of Głogów Matilda of Brunswick-Lüneburg
March 1291
nine children
9 December 1309
aged 57-58
Children of Conrad I, divided their inheritance. In 1284, the younger brothers exchanged properties, but, as none left descendants, both were reunited with the main duchy of Głogów.
Conrad II the Hunchback[13] 1252
Second son of Conrad I and Salome of Greater Poland
6 August 1274 – 11 October 1304 Duchy of Głogów
(at Ścinawa until 1284; in Żagań since 1284)
Unmarried 11 October 1304
aged 51-52
Przemko [Premislaus] I[14] 1255
Third son of Conrad I and Salome of Greater Poland
6 August 1274 – 26 February 1289 Duchy of Głogów
(at Żagań; in Ścinawa since 1284)
26 February 1289
aged 33-34
Żagań and Scinawa remerged in Glogow
Henry V the Fat[15] 1248
First son of Boleslaus II and Hedwig of Anhalt
31 December 1278 – 22 February 1296 Duchy of Legnica[16] Elisabeth of Greater Poland
1277
eight children
22 February 1296
aged 47-48
Children of Boleslaus II, divided their inheritance. In 1290, after the death of his childless cousin Henry IV, Henry V also inherited Wrocław. In 1296, after Henry V's death, Bolko was appointed regent for his nephews.
Bolko I [Boleslaus I] the Strict[17] 1252
Second son of Boleslaus II and Hedwig of Anhalt
31 December 1278 – 9 November 1301 Duchy of Świdnica-Jawor Beatrice of Brandenburg-Salzwedel
4 October 1284
Berlin
ten children
9 November 1301
Legnica
aged 48-49
Bernard I the Lightsome 1253
Third son of Boleslaus II and Hedwig of Anhalt
31 December 1278 – 25 April 1286 Duchy of Świdnica-Jawor
(at Lwówek Śląski)
Unmarried 25 April 1286
aged 32-33
Lwówek annexed to Świdnica-Jawor
Mieszko I[18] 1252
First son of Ladislaus I and Euphemia of Greater Poland
13 September 1282 – 27 June 1315 Duchy of Cieszyn Grimislava Vsevolodovna of Belz (?)
between 1275 and 1280
three children
27 June 1315
aged 62-63
Children of Ladislaus I, divided their inheritance.
Casimir[19] 1253
Second son of Ladislaus I and Euphemia of Greater Poland
13 September 1282 – 10 March 1312 Duchy of Bytom Helena Lvovna of Halych-Volhynia (?)
c.1275
six children
10 March 1312
aged 58-59
Bolko [Boleslaus] I[20] October 1258
Third son of Ladislaus I and Euphemia of Greater Poland
13 September 1282 – 13 May 1313 Duchy of Opole Agnes (of Brandenburg?)
c.1280
three children
14 May 1313
aged 54
Premislaus 12 June 1268
Fourth son of Ladislaus I and Euphemia of Greater Poland
13 September 1282 – 7 May 1306 Duchy of Racibórz Anna of Masovia
c.1290
three children
7 May 1306
aged 37
Regencies of Bolko I, Duke of Świdnica-Jawor (1296–1301), Heinrich of Würben (1301–02) and Wenceslaus II of Bohemia (1302–05) Children of Henry V, ruled under regency until 1305, and divided their inheritance. Boleslaus received Legnica together with Ladislaus. Shortly after,Ladislaus was excluded from government. In 1342, abdicated of the majority of the duchy to his sons, and ruled in Brzeg, which he left to his widow. Henry received Wrocław, but, having no male heirs, signed, in 1327, a contract of inheritance with King John of Bohemia and upon his death Wrocław fell to Bohemia.
Boleslaus III the Generous 23 September 1291
First son of Henry V and Elisabeth of Greater Poland
22 February 1296 – 21 April 1352 Duchy of Legnica
(only in the Duchy of Brzeg since 1342)
Margaret of Bohemia
1318
three children

Catharina Šubić
1326
no children
21 April 1352
Brzeg
aged 60
Ladislaus I 6 June 1296
Third son of Henry V and Elisabeth of Greater Poland
22 February 1296 – 1312 Duchy of Legnica Anna of Masovia
1325
(annulled 1329)
no children
January 1352
aged 55
Henry VI the Good[21] 18 March 1294
Second son of Henry V and Elisabeth of Greater Poland
22 February 1296 – 24 November 1335 Duchy of Wrocław Anna of Austria
1310
three children
24 November 1335
Wrocław
aged 41
Wrocław annexed to the Kingdom of Bohemia
Regency of Herman, Margrave of Brandenburg-Salzwedel (1301–1305) Children of Bolko/Boleslaus I the Strict, divided their inheritance. Bolko was under his elder brother tutelage until his majority, attained in 1322. Henry annexed Głogów in 1337, which he recovered from Bohemia. However, after Henry's death, Głogów returns to Bohemian control; Jawor also returns to Swidnica.
Bernard II the Stable 1291
First son of Bolko I [Boleslaus I] and Beatrice of Brandenburg-Salzwedel
9 November 1301 – 6 May 1326 Duchy of Świdnica-Jawor
(in Świdnica)
Kunigunde of Poland
1310
five children
6 May 1326
aged 34-35
Henry I[22] 1292
Second son of Bolko I [Boleslaus I] and Beatrice of Brandenburg-Salzwedel
9 November 1301 – 15 May 1346 Duchy of Świdnica-Jawor
(in Jawor and Duchy of Głogów since 1337)
Agnes of Bohemia
1316
no children
15 May 1346
aged 53-54
Bolko [Boleslaus] II[23] 1 February 1300
Third son of Bolko I [Boleslaus I] and Beatrice of Brandenburg-Salzwedel
9 November 1301 – 11 June 1341 Duchy of Ziębice Bonne-Judith of Savoy-Vaud
21 November 1321
two children
11 June 1341
Ziębice
aged 41
Jawor was reincorporated in Swidnica
Głogów was re-annexed to Bohemia
Regency of Mieszko I, Duke of Cieszyn (1306-1308) After his death without descendants in 1336, Raciborz was inherited by his sister.
Leszek 1292
Son of Premislaus and Anna of Masovia
7 May 1306 – 1336 Duchy of Racibórz Agnes of Głogów-Żagań
1332
no children
1336
aged 43-44
Matilda of Brunswick-Lüneburg 1276
Daughter of Albert I, Duke of Brunswick-Lüneburg and Alessina of Montferrat
9 December 1309 – 26 April 1318 Duchy of Głogów Henry III
March 1291
nine children
26 April 1318
aged 41-42
Heirs of Henry III. The widow received the main part of the duchy (Głogów), while their sons divided their inheritance. Henry IV stayed with Przemko in Żagań, John received Scinawa, and Conrad and Boleslaus inherited Oleśnica jointly. In 1318, Przemko assumed his mother's inheritance at Głogów. After the childless death of Przemko II, it was stipulated that his widow should succeed him, but financial complications led the duchy's temporary annexation the Kingdom of Bohemia. After John's death, Scinawa was partitioned between Swidnica-Jawor and Żagań.
Henry IV the Faithful[24] 1292
First son of Henry III and Matilda of Brunswick-Lüneburg
9 December 1309 – 22 January 1342 Duchy of Żagań Matilda of Brandenburg-Salzwedel
5 January 1310
four children
22 January 1342
Żagań
aged 49-50
Conrad I[10] 1294
Second son of Henry III and Matilda of Brunswick-Lüneburg
9 December 1309 – 22 December 1366 Duchy of Oleśnica
(with Duchy of Bytom Half A, since 1357, jure uxoris)
Elisabeth of Wroclaw
10 January 1322
no children

Euphemia, Duchess of Bytom
2 March 1333
two children
22 December 1366
aged 71-72
Boleslaus 1295
Third son of Henry III and Matilda of Brunswick-Lüneburg
9 December 1309 – April 1321 Unmarried April 1321
aged 25-26
John 1298
Fourth son of Henry III and Matilda of Brunswick-Lüneburg
9 December 1309 – 19 May 1365 Duchy of Głogów
(at Ścinawa)
Margaret of Pomerania-Wolgast
14 January 1316
no children
19 May 1365
aged 66-67
Przemko [Premislaus] II[25] 1305
Fifth son of Henry III and Matilda of Brunswick-Lüneburg
26 April 1318 – 11 January 1331 Duchy of Głogów
(at Duchy of Żagań in 1309–1318)
Constance of Świdnica
1326
no children
11 January 1331
aged 25-26
Głogów was annexed to the Kingdom of Bohemia (1331–1337) and to the Jawor portion of Świdnica-Jawor (1337–1346); a new annexation followed, to the Kingdom of Bohemia (1346–1349/60). In 1349 Henry V of Iron (son of Henry the Fatithful) recovered half of the inheritance of his uncle Przemko in Głogów from Bohemia; the other half was given to Przemko II's widow, Constance, in 1360, passed to her brother Bolko II of Swidnica, and passed briefly to Bohemia before being annexed to Cieszyn.
Scinawa was divided in 1365; half of it was inherited to Żagań and in 1395 sold to Oleśnica; the other part was inherited by Swidnica, and passed briefly to Bohemia before being annexed to Cieszyn.
Ladislaus[26] 1277
Second son of Casimir and Helena Lvovna of Halych-Volhynia (?)
10 March 1312 – 8 September 1352 Duchy of Bytom
(in Koźle until 1316; at Bytom proper since 1316)
Beatrice of Brandenburg-Salzwedel
21 September 1308
two children

Ludgarda of Mecklenburg
6 October 1328
six children
8 September 1352
age 74-75
Children of Casimir, divided their inheritance. In 1316, Siemowit, the middle brother, exchanged the main duchy with the eldest, and took a smaller town for himself;
George 1300
Fourth son of Casimir and Helena Lvovna of Halych-Volhynia (?)
10 March 1312 – 1327 Unmarried 1327
age 26-27
Siemowit 1292
Third son of Casimir and Helena Lvovna of Halych-Volhynia (?)
10 March 1312 – July 1342 Duchy of Bytom
(in Bytom proper until 1316; at Gliwice since 1316[27])
July 1342
age 49-50
Gliwice and Kozle returned to Bytom
Boleslaus I the Elder 1293
First son of Bolko [Boleslaus] I and Agnes
13 May 1313 – 21 June 1356 Duchy of Opole
(at Niemodlin)
Euphemia of Wrocław
29 October 1325
eight childrend
21 March 1365
aged 71-72
Children of Bolko I, divided their inheritance.
Bolko [Boleslaus] II[20] c.1295?
Second son of Bolko [Boleslaus] I and Agnes
13 May 1313 – 21 June 1356 Duchy of Opole Elisabeth of Świdnica
6 May 1326
seven children

Margaret (?)
one child
21 June 1356
aged 60-61?
Albert c.1305?
Third son of Bolko [Boleslaus] I and Agnes
13 May 1313 – 25 September 1375 Duchy of Opole
(at Strzelce)
Agnes of Hardegg
1347
one child
25 September 1375
aged 69-70?
Ladislaus I[26] 1275
First son of Mieszko I and Grimislava Vsevolodovna of Belz (?)
27 June 1315 – 15 May 1324 Duchy of Oświęcim Euphrosyne of Masovia
1304
two children
15 May 1324
aged 48-49
Children of Mieszko I, divided their inheritance.
Casimir I 1280
Second son of Mieszko I and Grimislava Vsevolodovna of Belz (?)
27 June 1315 – 29 September 1358 Duchy of Cieszyn Euphemia of Masovia
1321
nine children
29 September 1358
aged 77-78
Regency of Euphrosyne of Masovia (1324–1325)
John I the Scholastic 1308
Son of Ladislaus I and Euphrosyne of Masovia
15 May 1324 – September 1372 Duchy of Oświęcim Unknown
one child

Salomea Reuss of Plauen
July 1359
three children
September 1372
aged 63-64
Bolko [Boleslaus] II the Small[28] 1312
First son of Bernard II and Kunigunde of Poland
6 May 1326 – 28 July 1368 Duchy of Świdnica-Jawor
(in Świdnica; at Jawor since 1346; in Duchy of Brzeg Half B since 1358, and Duchy of Głogów Half B since 1361)
Agnes of Austria
1 June 1338
no children
28 July 1368
Świdnica
aged 55-56
Sons of Bernard II, ruled jointly until Henry's death in 1343. In 1346, after his uncle Henry I's death with no male heirs, he reunites Świdnica-Jawor in one duchy. Bolko also bought half of Brzeg in 1358. Brother of Constance, widow duchess of Głogów, inherited part of the duchy from her. After his death in 1368, the half of Głogów returned the Kingdom of Bohemia, and the half of Brzeg to Louis the Fair.
Henry II 1316
Second son of Bernard II and Kunigunde of Poland
6 May 1326 – 28 June 1345 Duchy of Świdnica-Jawor
(in Świdnica)
Catharina of Hungary
1 June 1338
one child
28 June 1345
Kamienna Góra
aged 28-29
Annexation of Half B of Glogow to the Kingdom of Bohemia (1368–1384)
Half A annexed to Lubin
Anna 1298
Daughter of Premislaus and Anna of Masovia
1336 – 21 August 1340 Duchy of Racibórz Nicholas II, Duke of Opava
1318
six children
21 August 1340
aged 41-42
Her husband claimed the duchy, and she managed to inherit it.
Racibórz annexed to the Duchy of Opava (1306–1521)
Nicholas the Small 1327
Son of Bolko [Boleslaus] II and Bonne-Judith of Savoy-Vaud
11 June 1341 – 23 April 1358 Duchy of Ziębice Agnes of Lichtenburk
23 October 1343
six children
23 April 1358
in Hungary
aged 30-31
Henry V of Iron[15] 1319
Son of Henry IV and Matilda of Brandenburg-Salzwedel
22 January 1342 – 13 April 1369 Duchy of Żagań
(with Duchy of Głogów Half A since 1349)
Anna of Płock
6 September 1337
five children
13 April 1369
aged 49-50
Children of Henry IV, divided their inheritance. In 1349, Henry V annexed half of the previous Duchy of Głogów reemerges from Bohemia to be annexed by Żagań line of the Piasts. As for Agnes, she "legitimized" the pledge of Lubin that her uncle John, Duke of Ścinawa had made in 1337 with Boleslaus III the Generous, by marrying (secondly) Boleslaus' son. In this perspective, she can be considered the heiress of Lubin.
Agnes 1321
Daughter of Henry IV and Matilda of Brandenburg-Salzwedel
22 January 1342 – 7 July 1362 Duchy of Lubin Leszek, Duke of Racibórz
1332
no children

Louis I
18 November 1341
six children
7 July 1362
aged 40-41
Wenceslaus I[29] 1318
First son of Boleslaus III and Margaret of Bohemia
1342 – 2 June 1364 Duchy of Legnica Anna of Cieszyn
1338
five children
2 June 1364
aged 45-46
Sons of Boleslaus III, divided their inheritance within their father's life. Louis was already ruling in Lubin, while Wenceslaus did the same in Legnica. In 1358, Louis inherited half of Brzeg from his stepmother Catharina (see below). Reunited Brzeg after the death of the owner of the other part, Bolko the Small (1368).
Louis I the Fair 1321
Second son of Boleslaus III and Margaret of Bohemia
22 January 1342 – 23 December 1398 Duchy of Lubin
(jure uxoris; with Duchy of Brzeg Half A since 1358; in the whole duchy since 1368)
Agnes of Głogów-Żagań
18 November 1341
six children
23 December 1398
aged 76-77
Catharina Šubić c.1310?
Daughter of Mladen III Šubić, Lord of Bribir and Jelena Nemanjić
21 April 1352 – February 1358 Duchy of Brzeg Boleslaus III
1326
no children
February 1358
Brzeg
aged 47-48?
Inherited Brzeg from her husband. After her death the duchy was divided between Louis the Fair (her stepson) and Bolko the Small from Swidnica-Jawor.
Brzeg divided between Lubin and Swidnica-Jawor
Boleslaus 1330
Son of Ladislaus and Ludgarda of Mecklenburg
8 September 1352 – 4 October 1355 Duchy of Bytom 14 February 1347
three children
4 October 1355
aged 24-25
Son of Ladislaus, Boleslaus left his duchy to his widow Margareta after his death. In 1357, after two years of war for the duchy, a settlement was made; Margareta abdicated of the duchy, which was split between its heiresses.
Margareta of Sternberg c.1330
Daughter of Jaroslav of Sternberg and Margareta of Bílina
4 October 1355 – 8 December 1357 Duchy of Bytom June 1365
aged 34-35
Ladislaus II Naderspan[30] 1332
First son of Bolko [Boleslaus] II and Elisabeth of Świdnica
21 June 1356 – 18 May 1401
(only de jure from 1396)
Duchy of Opole Elisabeth of Wallachia
c. 1355
three children

Euphemia of Masovia
1369
two children
18 May 1401
Opole
aged 68-69
Children of Bolko II, ruled jointly. In 1375, Bolko III was Albert of Strzelce's heir, and split Strzelce from Opole again, leaving the main duchy for his elder brother Ladislaus.
Henry[31] August? 1338
Third son of Bolko [Boleslaus] II and Elisabeth of Świdnica
21 June 1356 – October 1365 Unmarried October 1365
aged 27?
Bolko [Boleslaus] III[32] 1337
Second son of Bolko [Boleslaus] II and Elisabeth of Świdnica
21 June 1356 – 21 October 1382 Duchy of Opole
(at Strzelce since 1375)
Anna of Oświęcim
c. 1355
five children
21 October 1382
aged 44-45
Euphemia (I) c.1310
Daughter of Ladislaus and Beatrice of Brandenburg-Salzwedel
8 December 1357 – 3 January 1378 Duchy of Bytom
(half A)
Conrad I, Duke of Oleśnica
2 March 1333
two children
3 January 1378
aged 67-68
In 1357, the duchy was divided between heiresses, one annexed by the Duchy of Oleśnica, the other annexed by the Duchy of Cieszyn, and a third part, ruled by the duke of Niemodlin jure uxoris was also annexed to Oleśnica.
Elisabeth 1347
First daughter of Boleslaus and Margareta of Sternberg
8 December 1357 – 1374 Duchy of Bytom
(half B)
Premislaus I, Duke of Cieszyn
1360
three children
1374
aged 26-27
Euphemia (II) c.1350
Second daughter of Boleslaus and Margareta of Sternberg
8 December 1357 – 26 August 1411 Duchy of Bytom
(at Gliwice)
Wenceslaus, Duke of Cieszyn
1364
no children

Bolko [Boleslaus] III, Duke of Ziębice
1369
eight children
26 August 1411
aged 60-61
Bytom divided between the duchies of Oleśnica and Cieszyn
Regency of Agnes of Lichtenburk (1358-1360) Children of Nicholas I, ruled jointly.
Bolko [Boleslaus] III[32] 1348
Ziębice
First son of Nicholas and Agnes of Lichtenburk
23 April 1358 – 13 June 1410 Duchy of Ziębice Euphemia of Bytom, Duchess of Gliwice
1369
eight children
13 June 1410
Ziębice
aged 61-62
Henry I[33] 1350
Ziębice
Second son of Nicholas and Agnes of Lichtenburk
23 April 1358 – August 1366 Unmarried August 1366
Ziębice
aged 15-16
Premislaus I Noszak 13 February 1334
Cieszyn
Son of Casimir I and Euphemia of Masovia
29 September 1358 – 23 May 1410 Duchy of Cieszyn
(with Duchy of Bytom Half B since 1359, jure uxoris, and Duchy of Głogów Half B in 1384-1404 and 1406-1410)
Elisabeth, Duchess of Bytom
1360
three children
23 May 1410
Cieszyn
aged 76
In 1384 recovered part of the Lower Silesian duchy of Głogów from Bohemia. Abdicated of Głogów for his son, Premislaus, in 1404, but recovered it in 1406.
Constance of Świdnica 1313
Daughter of Bernard II, Duke of Świdnica and Kunigunde of Poland
1360 – 1361 Duchy of Głogów
(Half B)
Przemko [Premislaus] II
1326
no children
21 November 1363
aged 49-50
In 1360 Half B of Głogów reemerges as Constance, widow of Przemko II; recovers half of the dowry that was left by her husband; however, she quickly gives it to her brother, Bolko II the Small.
Half B of Głogów was annexed to Swidnica-Jawor, then, in 1368, to Bohemia, and, in 1384, it was bought by the Duchy of Cieszyn.
Rupert I 27 March 1347
First son of Wenceslaus I and Anna of Cieszyn
2 June 1364 – 12 January 1409 Duchy of Legnica Hedwig of Żagań
10 February 1372
two children
12 January 1409
aged 61
Sons of Wenceslaus I, ruled jointly. Wenceslaus II was also Duke of Nysa as Bishop of Wrocław, and abdicated in 1413.
Wenceslaus II[34] 1348
Second son of Wenceslaus I and Anna of Cieszyn
2 June 1364 – 16 March 1413 Unmarried 30 December 1419
Otmuchów
aged 61
Boleslaus IV 1349
Third son of Wenceslaus I and Anna of Cieszyn
2 June 1364 – 4 March 1394 4 March 1394
aged 61
Henry VIII[35][36] 1355
Fourth son of Wenceslaus I and Anna of Cieszyn
2 June 1364 – 12 December 1398 12 December 1398
Legnica
aged 61
Boleslaus II 1326
First son of Boleslaus I and Euphemia of Wrocław
21 March 1365 – 25 June 1368 Duchy of Opole
(at Niemodlin)
Unmarried 25 June 1368
aged 41-42
Children of Boleslaus the Elder of Niemodlin, ruled jointly, and none left descendants.
Wenceslaus 1336
Second son of Boleslaus I and Euphemia of Wrocław
21 March 1365 – June 1369 Euphemia of Bytom, Duchess of Gliwice
1364
no children
June 1369
aged 32-33
Henry c.1350
Third son of Boleslaus I and Euphemia of Wrocław
21 March 1365 – 14 September 1382 Catharina of Moravia
c.1370
no children
14 September 1382
aged 31-32
Niemodlin annexed to Strzelce
Conrad II the Gray[13] 1340
Son of Conrad I and Euphemia of Bytom
22 December 1366 – 10 June 1403 Duchy of Oleśnica
(with Duchy of Bytom Half A
Agnes of Cieszyn
23 February 1354
one child
10 June 1403
Trzebnica
aged 62-63
Agnes of Austria 1322
Vienna
Daughter of Leopold I, Duke of Austria and Catherine of Savoy
28 July 1368 – 2 February 1392 Duchy of Świdnica-Jawor Bolko [Boleslaus] II
1 June 1338
no children
2 February 1392
Świdnica
aged 69-70
Widow, succeeded her husband according to his will. After her death the duchy was annexed to the Kingdom of Bohemia.
Swidnica-Jawor annexed to the Kingdom of Bohemia
Henry VI the Elder[21] c.1345
First son of Henry V and Anna of Płock
13 April 1369 – 5 December 1393 Duchy of Żagań Hedwig of Legnica
10 February 1372
no children
5 December 1393
Włoszczowa
aged 47-48
Children of Henry V, divided their inheritance. While after his death Henry VI left his property to his wife, Henry VIII eventually succeeded in Henry VII's domains.
Henry VII Rumpold[37][38] 1350
Second son of Henry V and Anna of Płock
13 April 1369 – 24 December 1395 Duchy of Głogów
(Half A)
Unmarried 24 December 1395
Bolesławiec
aged 44-45
Henry VIII the Sparrow[36] 1357
Third son of Henry V and Anna of Płock
13 April 1369 – 14 March 1397 Duchy of Głogów
(at Zielona Góra, Przemków and Szprotawa; in the whole Half A since 1395)
Catherine of Opole
1382
five children
14 March 1397
Szprotawa
aged 39-40
John II 1344
Son of John I
September 1372 – 19 February 1376 Duchy of Oświęcim Hedwig of Brzeg
1366
three children
19 February 1376
aged 31-32
Regency of Premislaus I, Duke of Cieszyn (1376-c.1380) Left no descendants. The duchy went to a son of Premislaus Noszak.
John III 1366
Son of John II and Hedwig of Brzeg
19 February 1376 – 19 August 1405 Duchy of Oświęcim Hedwig of Lithuania
1394
no children
19 August 1405
aged 38-39
Jan Kropidło 1360
First son of Bolko [Boleslaus] III and Anna of Oświęcim
21 October 1382 – 3 March 1421 Duchy of Opole
(at Strzelce and Niemodlin until 1401; in Opole as regent since 1396; officially since 1401)
Unmarried 3 March 1421
Opole
aged 60-61
Children of Bolko III, ruled first jointly, and after their uncle Ladislaus's resignation and death (1396-1401), they divided their whole inheritance.
Bolko [Boleslaus] IV[39] 1363
Second son of Bolko [Boleslaus] III and Anna of Oświęcim
21 October 1382 – 6 May 1437 Margaret of Gorizia
1398
five children
6 May 1437
aged 73-74
Henry II 1374
Third son of Bolko [Boleslaus] III and Anna of Oświęcim
21 October 1382 – 22 December 1394 Duchy of Opole
(at Strzelce and Niemodlin)
Unmarried 22 December 1394
aged 19-20
Bernard[40] 1378
Fourth son of Bolko [Boleslaus] III and Anna of Oświęcim
21 October 1382 – 1450 Hedwig of Melsztyń
two children
2/4 April 1455
aged 76-77
Hedwig of Legnica 1351
Daughter of Wenceslaus I, Duke of Legnica and Anna of Cieszyn
5 December 1393 – 1403 Duchy of Żagań Henry VI
10 February 1372
no children
1 August 1409
Legnica
aged 57-58
Inherited the property of her husband (with whom she was apparently estranged with). In 1403 she abdicated of her inheritance to her nephewss, sons of her brother-in-law Henry VIII.
Catherine of Opole 16 March 1367
Daughter of Ladislaus II, Duke of Opole and Euphemia of Masovia
14 March 1397 – 6 June 1420 Duchy of Głogów
(in Prudnik, Kożuchów and Zielona Góra)
Henry VIII the Sparrow
1382
five children
6 June 1420
aged 53
Heirs of Henry VIII. Catharina remained at her dowry lands, while the rest of the property was divided, at least since 1403, when Hedwig of Legnica passed her own property to her nephews, who proceeded to a new partition of the whole inheritance. John inherited Żagań alone, while the rest of the brothers kept Glogow. With the abdication of Wenceslaus and the death of Henry X, Henry IX became sole ruler of Glogow, and in 1446 he bought Lubin.
Regency of Rupert I, Duke of Legnica (1397-1401)
John I[41] 1385
First son of Henry VIII and Catherine of Opole
14 March 1397 – 12 April 1439 Duchy of Żagań
(in Duchy of Głogów Half A until 1412; in Żagań proper since 1403)
Scholastica of Saxe-Wittenberg
1408
ten children
12 April 1439
aged 53-54
Henry IX the Elder[42] 1387
Second son of Henry VIII and Catherine of Opole
14 March 1397 – 11 November 1467 Duchy of Głogów
(Half A)
Hedwig of Oleśnica
1432
six children
11 November 1467
Krosno Odrzańskie
aged 79-80
Henry X Rumpold[43][38] 1390
Third son of Henry VIII and Catherine of Opole
14 March 1397 – 18 January 1423 Unmarried 18 January 1423
Flensburg
aged 32-33
Wenceslaus 1391
Fourth son of Henry VIII and Catherine of Opole
14 March 1397 – January 1431 Duchy of Głogów
(at Krosno Odrzańskie, Świebodzin and Bytnica)
January 1431
aged 39-40
Krosno Odrzańskie, Świebodzin and Bytnica annexed to Głogów.
Henry VII the Courageous[44][37] 1343
Son of Louis I and Agnes
23 December 1398 – 11 July 1399 Duchy of Lubin
(with Duchy of Brzeg)
Helena of Orlamünde
1369
one child

Margaret of Masovia
July 1379
two children
11 July 1399
aged 55-56
Co-ruled with his father since 1361.
Henry IX[42] 1369
Son of Henry VII and Helena of Orlamünde
11 July 1399 – 10 July 1420 Duchy of Lubin
(with the whole Duchy of Brzeg until 1400; in Olawa since 1400)
Anna of Cieszyn
20 September 1396
six children
10 July 1420
aged 50-51
Children of Henry VII, divided their inheritance. Brzeg was exchanged between the brothers in 1400 (Henry gave it to Louis). However, Oława (in Brzeg) remained in Henry IX's possession. In 1413, Legnica was inherited by Louis II.
Louis II 1380
Son of Henry VII and Margaret of Masovia
11 July 1399 – 30 May 1436 Duchy of Brzeg
(in Chojnów; in Brzeg proper since 1400; with Duchy of Legnica since 1413)
Hedwig Zapólya
before 14 August 1409
no children

Elisabeth of Brandenburg
9 April 1418
Konstanz
no children
30 May 1436
aged 55-56
Euphemia of Masovia 1344
Daughter of Siemowit III, Duke of Masovia and Euphemia of Opava
18 May 1401 – 1424 Duchy of Opole
(at Głogówek)
Ladislaus II
1369
two children
1424
aged 79-80?
Widow of Ladislaus II, received a dower seat after her husband's death.
Głogówek remerged in Opole
Conrad III the Old 1359
Son of Conrad II and Agnes of Cieszyn
10 June 1403 – 28 December 1412 Duchy of Oleśnica
(with Duchy of Bytom Half A)
Judith
(d.24 June 1416)
c.1380
seven children
28 December 1412
aged 52-53
Premislaus the Younger 1362
First son of Premislaus I and Elisabeth of Bytom
19 August 1405 – 1 January 1406 Duchy of Oświęcim
(in the Duchy of Głogów Half B in 1404-1406)
Unknown
one child
1 January 1406
aged 43-44
Received, in his father's lifetime, the duchy of Głogów. In the next year also inherited Oświęcim from John III. Preceded his father in death, but left descendants to rule in Oświęcim, while Głogów returned to his father.
Regencies of Premislaus I, Duke of Cieszyn (1406-1410) and Boleslaus I, Duke of Cieszyn (1410-1414)
Casimir I 1396
Son of Premislaus the Younger
1 January 1406 – 7 April 1434 Duchy of Oświęcim Anna of Żagań
1417
three children

Margareta of Racibórz
1433
no children
7 April 1434
aged 37-38
Boleslaus I 1363
Second son of Premislaus I and Elisabeth of Bytom
23 May 1410 – 6 May 1431 Duchy of Cieszyn
(with Duchy of Głogów Half B and Duchy of Bytom Half B)
Margareta of Opava
1 January 1406
no children

Euphemia of Masovia
20 November 1412
five children
6 May 1431
aged 67-68
John 1380
First son of Bolko [Boleslaus] III and Euphemia of Bytom
13 June 1410 – 27 August 1428 Duchy of Ziębice Elizabeth Lackfi
19 March 1408
one child
27 August 1428
Stary Wielisław
aged 47-48
Children of Bolko III, ruled jointly.
Henry II 1396
Second son of Bolko [Boleslaus] III and Euphemia of Bytom
13 June 1410 – 11 March 1420 Unmarried 11 March 1420
in Livonia
aged 23-24
Conrad IV the Elder 1384
First son of Conrad III and Judith
28 December 1412 – 9 August 1447 Duchy of Oleśnica
(in the whole duchy, plus Duchy of Bytom Half A until 1416; in Kąty, Bierutów, Prudnik and Syców from 1416)
Unmarried 9 August 1447
Jelcz
aged 62-63
In 1416, abdicated to his younger brothers, but not without retaining some towns for himself.
Conrad V Kantner 1385
Oleśnica or Kąty (?)[45]
Second son of Conrad III and Judith
1412 – 10 September 1439 Duchy of Oleśnica
(in Oleśnica, Milicz, Prusice,[46] Trzebnica, Wasosz, Zmigrod and Wołów,[47] with Duchy of Bytom Half A)
Margaret (?)
9 October 1411
five children
10 September 1439
aged 53-54
Younger brothers of Conrad IV, divided their domains; Conrad VI left his possessions to his younger brother Conrad VIII, and Conrad V did the same to his brother Conrad VII, who ended up inheriting all of his brothers' possessions (Conrad V's in 1439, Conrad VI and VIII's in 1444, and Conrad IV's in 1447). In 1450, Conrad VII, now ruling alone, abdicated of all his possessions to his nephews and heirs.
Conrad VI the Dean 1391
Oleśnica
Third son of Conrad III and Judith
1416 – 3 September 1427 Duchy of Oleśnica
(in Ścinawa,[48] Lubiąż and Wołów[47])
Unmarried 3 September 1427
aged 35-36
Conrad VII the White 1396
Oleśnica
Fourth son of Conrad III and Judith
1416 – 1450 Duchy of Oleśnica
(in Koźle, Gliwice and Prusice;[46] in the whole duchy from 1447)
Katharina (?)
2 February 1437
no children

Dorothea of Warsaw?
7 March 1450
no children
14 February 1452
Wrocław
aged 55-56
Conrad VIII the Younger 1397
Oleśnica
Fifth son of Conrad III and Judith
1416 – 5 September 1444 Duchy of Oleśnica
(in Rudna; at Ścinawa and Lubiąż since 1427)
Unmarried 5 September 1444
aged 46-47
Rupert II 1396
First son of Henry IX and Anna of Cieszyn
10 July 1420 – 24 August 1431 Duchy of Lubin
(at Lubin proper)
Unmarried 24 August 1431
aged 34-35
Children of Henry IX, divided their possessions. Wenceslaus kept Olawa and Rupert ruled in Lubin. Louis, the younger son, ascended later, reuniting the possessions of his brothers.
Wenceslaus III 1400
Second son of Henry IX and Anna of Cieszyn
10 July 1420 – 28 May 1423 Duchy of Lubin
(at Oława)
28 May 1423
aged 22-23
Louis III c.1405
Third son of Henry IX and Anna of Cieszyn
28 May 1423 – June 1441 Duchy of Lubin
(at Oława; in Lubin since 1431)
Margareta of Opole
c.1423
two children
June 1441
aged 35-36
Euphemia 1385
Daughter of Bolko [Boleslaus] III and Euphemia of Bytom
27 August 1428 – 1443[49] Duchy of Ziębice Frederick III, Count of Oettingen
1397
nine children
17 November 1447
aged 57-58
Faced opposition to her succession by the Častolovice family, with whom she had to negotiate her succession. Despite being in Ziebice/Munsterberg since the death of her husband (1423) and prior to her brother's death (1428), and being cited as Euphemia...Herczoginne czu Monstirbergk in 1429,[50] only in 1435 she saw her rights recognized by Bohemia. In 1443, after years of conflict, she abdicated to her nephew, the Duke of Opava, who was also married to a Častolovice heiress.
Ziębice was annexed to the Duchy of Opava
Regency of Euphemia of Masovia (1431–1442) Divided their inheritance after the end of the regency of their mother. After Ladislaus' death, Premislaus retained co-rulership in Cieszyn, with his brother Wenceslaus, and in Głogów, associated with his widowed sister-in-law. Wenceslaus inherited the half of Bytom the family had, exchanging it with his brother Boleslaus, but returning to him after Boleslaus death shortly after the exchange. Wenceslaus resigned this half in 1459, returning it to Oleśnica, which reunited Bytom under Oleśnica rule.
Wenceslaus I[29] 1413
First son of Boleslaus I and Margareta of Opava
6 May 1431 – 1468 Duchy of Cieszyn
(with Duchy of Bytom Half B 1431-1452 and 1452-1459)
Elisabeth of Brandenburg
17 February 1439
(annulled 1445)
no children
1474
aged 60-61
Ladislaus I 1420
Second son of Boleslaus I and Margareta of Opava
6 May 1431 – 14 February 1460 Duchy of Głogów
(Half B)
Margareta of Celje
December 1444
no children
14 February 1460
aged 39-40
Premislaus II 1422
Third son of Boleslaus I and Margareta of Opava
6 May 1431 – 18 March 1477 Duchy of Cieszyn
(with Duchy of Głogów Half B since 1460[51])
Anna of Warsaw
c.1465
one child
18 March 1477
aged 54-55
Boleslaus II 1425
Fourth son of Boleslaus I and Margareta of Opava
6 May 1431 – 4 October 1452 Duchy of Cieszyn
(at Bielsko and Frysztat; in Duchy of Bytom Half B in 1452)
Anna of Bielsk
28 January 1448
three children
4 October 1452
aged 26-27
Wenceslaus I[29] 1418
First son of Casimir I and Anna of Żagań
7 April 1434 – 28 July 1468 Duchy of Zator Margareta Kopczowski
c.1450
seven children
28 July 1468
aged 49-50
Children of Casimir I, divided their inheritance. The main duchy went to John IV, who sold it to Poland in 1456. However, Zator remained active for another generation.
Premislaus 1425
Second son of Casimir I and Anna of Żagań
7 April 1434 – December 1484 Duchy of Oświęcim
(at Toszek)
Margaret of Opole
23 February 1463
one child
December 1484
aged 58-59
John IV 1426
Third son of Casimir I and Anna of Żagań
7 April 1434 – 11 October 1456

1490 – 21 February 1497
Duchy of Oświęcim
(at Oświęcim proper until 1456; at Krnov jure uxoris since 1490)
Catharina
30 December 1465
no children

Barbara of Karniów
c. 1475
one child
21 February 1497
aged 70-71
Oświęcim annexed to the Kingdom of Poland; Toszek annexed to Poland (1484-1495), and recovered by the Duchy of Opole and Racibórz
Elisabeth of Brandenburg 29 September 1403
Daughter of Frederick I, Elector of Brandenburg and Elisabeth of Bavaria-Landshut
30 May 1436 – 31 October 1449 Duchy of Brzeg
(at Duchy of Legnica only since 1443)
Louis II
9 April 1418
Konstanz
no children

Wenceslaus I, Duke of Cieszyn
17 February 1439
(annulled 1445)
no children
31 October 1449
aged 45
Widow of Louis II. In 1443 is forced to give Brzeg to John I and Henry X of Lubin, reuniting the Lubin inheritance. After her death in 1449, Legnica was annexed by the Kingdom of Bohemia.
Legnica annexed to the Kingdom of Bohemia (1449–1454)
John I[41] 1410
Second son of Bolko [Boleslaus] IV and Margaret of Gorizia
6 May 1437 – 5 September 1439 Duchy of Opole
(with Duchy of Brzeg since 1450)
Unmarried 5 September 1439
aged 28-29
Children of Bolko IV, ruled jointly. After John's death in 1439, Nicholas ruled alone. In 1450 Nicholas bought Brzeg, possibly in virtue of his marriage.
Nicholas I 1424
Fourth son of Bolko [Boleslaus] IV and Margaret of Gorizia
6 May 1437 – 3 July 1476 Magdalena of Brzeg
February 1442
ten children
3 July 1476
aged 51-52
Scholastica of Saxe-Wittenberg 1391
Daughter of Rudolf III, Duke of Saxe-Wittenberg and Anna of Meissen
12 April 1439 – 12 May 1461 Duchy of Żagań
(in Nowogród Bobrzański)
John I
1408
ten childrenº
12 May 1461
Żagań
aged 69-70
Heirs of John I. Scholastica inherited her dower seat, and her sons managed the rest of the duchy, dividing it in two parts. In 1461-1472, Balthasar and John were involved in a feudal war that ended with Balthasar's death. However, John was endebted and in the end had to sell the duchy he fought to obtain. In 1476-1480, he managed to gain both parts of Głogów, which he reunited, but he surrendered to the Kingdom of Poland in 1488.
Balthasar 1415
First son of John I and Scholastica of Saxe-Wittenberg
12 April 1439 – 1461

1468 – 15 July 1472
Duchy of Żagań
(in Żagań proper)
Agnes
c.1460
one child

Barbara of Cieszyn
11 September 1469
no children
15 July 1472
Przewóz
aged 56-57
Rudolph 1418
Second son of John I and Scholastica of Saxe-Wittenberg
12 April 1439 – 18 September 1454 Unmarried 18 September 1454
Chojnice
aged 35-36
Wenceslaus[52] 1434
Third son of John I and Scholastica of Saxe-Wittenberg
12 April 1439 – 12 December 1472 Duchy of Żagań
(at Przewóz)
29 April 1488
Wrocław
aged 53-54
John II the Mad 16 April 1435
Fourth son of John I and Scholastica of Saxe-Wittenberg
12 April 1439 – 1468

15 July – 12 December 1472
Duchy of Żagań
(at Przewóz until 1461; at Żagań in 1461-1468 and 1472)
Catharina of Opava
1462
five children
22 September 1504
Wołów
aged 69
22 February 1476 – November 1488 Duchy of Głogów
(both halves reunited 1480)
Nowogród Bobrzański remerged into Żagań (since 1461); Żagań sold to the Duchy of Saxony (since 1472)
Głogów surrendered and annexed to the Kingdom of Poland; at the same time, Lubin, since 1446 part of Głogów, reverted to Legnica
Margaret c.1390?
?
10 September 1439 – 15 March 1449 Duchy of Oleśnica
(in Wołów)
Conrad V
9 October 1411
five children
15 March 1449
aged 58-59?
Widow of Conrad V, inherited Wołów as dowry, which after her death reverted, similarly to the rest of Conrad V's possessions, to Conrad VII.
Wołów remerged in Oleśnica
Margareta of Opole 1412
Daughter of Bolko [Boleslaus] IV, Duke of Opole and Margaret of Gorizia
June 1441 – 15 January 1454 Duchy of Lubin
(at Oława)
Louis III
1423
two children
15 January 1454
aged 41-42
Heirs of Louis III. Margareta inherited Olawa as a dower seat, and her children ruled jointly. In 1443 they inherited Brzeg from Elisabeth of Brandenburg, but, in 1446, due to the difficult financial situation, had to sell Lubin to the Duchy of Głogów. In 1450 Brzeg is also sold to Opole. Chojnow was the only main town kept by the brothers, and the one they left to Frederick I, John I's son. Olawa was also inherited by Frederick (Margareta's grandson). The duchy recentered, since 1454, around Legnica.
John I 1425
First son of Louis III and Margareta of Opole
June 1441 – November 1453 Duchy of Lubin
(at Chojnów; in Lubin proper until 1446; with Duchy of Brzeg since 1443)
Hedwig of Brzeg
February 1445
one child
November 1453
aged 27-28
Henry X[43] 1426
Second son of Louis III and Margareta of Opole
June 1441 – May 1452 Unmarried May 1452
aged 25-26
Olawa returned to Chojnów/Legnica; Lubin was bought by Henry IX the Elder, duke of Głogów
Brzeg was bought by duke Nicholas I of Opole
Bolko [Boleslaus] V the Hussite[39] c.1400
First son of Bolko [Boleslaus] IV and Margaret of Gorizia
1450 – 29 May 1460 Duchy of Opole
(at Strzelce and Niemodlin)
Elisabeth Granowski
1418
(annulled 1451)
one child

Hedwig Beess of Kujawy
27 June 1451
no children
29 May 1460
Głogówek
aged 59-60
Inherited his portion from his uncle, and left to his younger brothers the main duchy of Opole, leaving them his own lands after his death.
Niemodlin and Strzelce annexed to Opole
Conrad IX the Black 1415
First son of Conrad V and Margaret
1450 – 14 August 1471 Duchy of Oleśnica
(in Oleśnica, Bierutów, Gliwice and Koźle, with Duchy of Bytom Half A)
Margareta of Rawa
1453
one child
14 August 1471
aged 55-56
Children of Conrad V, divided their inheritance. After Conrad IX's death, and save some exceptions (inherited by Conrad IX's widow and daughter), the majority of Conrad IX's inheritance went to Conrad X. Those excdptions eventually also ended uo in Conrad X's possession in 1478, reuniting all the duchy, which, after his death, was annexed by the Kingdom of Bohemia.
Conrad X the White 1420
Second son of Conrad V and Margaret
1450 – 21 September 1492 Duchy of Oleśnica
(in Milicz, Prusice, Ścinawa, Syców, Wasosz, Zmigrod and Wołów; in the whole duchy since 1478)
Dorothea Reynkenberg
before 1492
(morganatic)
no children
21 September 1492
small>aged 71-72
Oleśnica was annexed, in 1492, to the Kingdom of Bohemia
Regency of Hedwig of Brzeg (1453-1466) Frederick I was responsible for the recovery the patrimony lost to other polities: Legnica became independent from Bohemia in 1454. In the same year, Frederick inherited Olawa from his grandmother Margareta of Opole. In 1481 Frederick I of Legnica purchased Brzeg from Opole, and recovered Lubin from John the Mad in 1482.
Frederick I 3 May 1446
Brzeg
Son of John I and Hedwig of Brzeg
November 1453 – 9 May 1488 Duchy of Legnica
(at Chojnów; in Legnica proper and Oława since 1454; with Duchy of Lubin and Duchy of Brzeg since 1481))
Ludmila of Poděbrady
5 September 1474
three children
9 May 1488
Legnica
aged 42
Margareta of Celje 1411
Daughter of Herman III, Count of Celje, and Elisabeth of Abensberg
14 February 1460 – 22 July 1480 Duchy of Głogów
(Half B)
Herman I, Count of Montfort-Pfannberg
15 March 1430
four children

Ladislaus I
December 1444
no children
22 July 1480
aged 68-69
Widow of Ladislaus I, ruled with her brother-in-law Premislaus II, until his death in 1477, after ehich she continued her rule alone. After her death, both parts of Glogow were reunited under the ex-duke of Żagań.
Głogów half B was inherited by Jan II the Mad
Henry XI[53] 1435
Son of Henry IX and Hedwig of Oleśnica
11 November 1467 – 22 February 1476 Duchy of Głogów
(Half A)
Barbara of Brandenburg
11 October 1472
Berlin
no children
22 February 1476 Possibly poisoned. After his death the majority of his patirmony was inherited by his cousin, the disposssessed ex-Żagań duke John the Mad (see above).
Głogów half A (with exceptions) was inherited by Jan II the Mad
Casimir II c.1450
First son of Wenceslaus I and Margareta Kopczowski
28 July 1468 – 7 July 1490 Duchy of Zator Margaret of Karniów
12 August 1482
one child
7 July 1490
aged 39-40
Sons of Wenceslaus I, ruled jointly. In 1490 John became sole ruler. In 1513, after John V's death with no descendants, the Duchy was annexed by the Kingdom of Poland.
Wenceslaus II[34] c.1450
Second son of Wenceslaus I and Margareta Kopczowski
28 July 1468 – 1487 Unmarried 1487
aged 36-37
John V[54] c.1455
Third son of Wenceslaus I and Margareta Kopczowski
28 July 1468 – 17 September 1513 17 September 1513
aged 57-58
Ladislaus (II) c.1455
Fourth son of Wenceslaus I and Margareta Kopczowski
28 July 1468 – 21 September 1494 Anna
before 1488
one child
21 September 1494
aged 38-39
Zator annexed to the Kingdom of Poland
Margareta of Rawa 1441
Daughter of Siemowit V, Duke of Rawa and Margareta of Racibórz
14 August 1471 – 1475 Duchy of Oleśnica
(Oleśnica and Bierutów, with Duchy of Bytom Half A)
Conrad IX
1453
one child
1 September 1485
aged 43-44
Widow of Conrad IX, inherited part of the properties of her husband, which passed to her daughter.
Regency of Conrad X, Duke of Oleśnica (1475–1478) Deposed in 1478 by her regent and died in the next year. Her possessions, inherited from her mother, were inherited by her uncle.
Barbara 1465
Daughter of Conrad IX and Margareta of Rawa
1475 – 1478 Duchy of Oleśnica
(Oleśnica and Bierutów, with Duchy of Bytom Half A)
Unmarried 30 November 1479
aged 13-14
Barbara's possessions were inherited by her uncle Conrad X, who reunited Oleśnica in 1478 (see above)
Barbara of Brandenburg 30 May 1464
Ansbach
Daughter of Albert Achilles, Elector of Brandenburg and Anna of Saxony, Electress of Brandenburg
22 February 1476 – 4 September 1515 Duchy of Głogów
(at Krosno Odrzańskie, Kożuchów, Sulechów and Lubsko)
Henry XI
11 October 1472
Berlin
no children

Vladislaus II, King of Hungary and Bohemia
20 August 1476
Frankfurt (Oder)
(separated 1490, anulled 1500)
no children
4 September 1515
Ansbach
aged 51
Received a dower from her husband, which after her death was annexed to Brandenburg.
Krosno Odrzańskie, Kożuchów, Sulechów and Lubsko were annexed to Brandenburg
Louis 1450
First son of Nicholas I and Magdalena of Brzeg
3 July – September 1476 Duchy of Opole
(until 1521; with Brzeg until 1481)

Duchy of Opole and Racibórz
(from 1521)
Unmarried September 1476
aged 25-26
Children of Nicholas I, ruled jointly. In 1481 they sold Brzeg to Frederick I of Legnica. From 1497, John ruled alone, purchasing back, in 1521, the lost Racibórz from Bohemia, and restoring the Duchy of Opole and Racibórz. However, as he left no descendants the duchy reverted to the Margraviate of Brandenburg-Ansbach.
John II the Good 1460
Second son of Nicholas I and Magdalena of Brzeg
3 July 1476 – 27 March 1532 27 March 1532
aged 71-72
Nicholas II 1462
Third son of Nicholas I and Magdalena of Brzeg
3 July 1476 – 27 June 1497 27 June 1497
aged 34-35
Brzeg returned to Legnica
Opole-Racibórz annexed to the Margraviate of Brandenburg-Ansbach
Casimir II 1449
Son of Boleslaus II and Anna of Bielsk
18 March 1477 – 13 December 1528 Duchy of Cieszyn Johanna of Poděbrady
15 February 1480
six children
13 December 1528
Cieszyn
aged 78-79
Father and son, ruled jointly. Wenceslaus predeceased his father and never came to rule alone.
Wenceslaus II[34] 1488
Cieszyn
Son of Casimir II and Johanna of Poděbrady
1518 – 17 November 1524 Anna of Brandenburg-Ansbach
1 December 1518
three children
17 November 1524
Cieszyn
aged 35-36
Ludmila of Poděbrady 16 October 1446
Daughter of George of Poděbrady, King of Bohemia and Johana of Rožmitál
9 May 1488 – 20 January 1503 Duchy of Brzeg Frederick I, Duke of Legnica
5 September 1474
three children
20 January 1503
Legnica
aged 56
Heirs of Frederick I. His widow, Ludmila, retained Brzeg as dower seat and also the regency over her minor children. John died as a minor, and the partition was made between the younger sons, Frederick and George. It was George who eventually inherited his mother's dower, and transferred it to his brother after his death with no descendants. George's widow retained Lubin, which after her death would join Frederick's patrimony, again united.
Regency of Ludmila of Poděbrady (1488–1495)
John II 1477
First son of Frederick I and Ludmila of Poděbrady
9 May 1488 – 6 March 1495 Duchy of Legnica
(with Duchy of Brzeg since 1521)
Unmarried 6 March 1495
aged 17-18
Frederick II the Great 12 February 1480
Legnica
Second son of Frederick I and Ludmila of Poděbrady
9 May 1488 – 17 September 1547 Elisabeth Jagiellon
21 November 1515
one child

Sophie of Brandenburg-Ansbach-Kulmbach
14 November 1519
three children
17 September 1547
Legnica
aged 67
George I 1481
Third son of Frederick I and Ludmila of Poděbrady
9 May 1488 – 30 May 1521 Duchy of Lubin
(with Duchy of Brzeg since 1503)
Anna of Pomerania
9 June 1516
no children
30 May 1521
aged 39-40
Helena 1478
Daughter of John IV and Barbara, Duchess of Krnov
27 April 1510 – 1523 Duchy of Oświęcim
(at Krnov only)
George, Baron of Schellenberg
1492
four children
1525
aged 46-47
Inherited the property of her mother at Krnov (see next table below), but her husband eventually sold it in 1523 to Brandenburg.
Krnov sold to Brandenburg-Ansbach
Anna of Pomerania 1492
Daughter of Bogislaw X, Duke of Pomerania and Anna Jagiellon
30 May 1521 – 25 April 1550 Duchy of Lubin George I
9 June 1516
no children
25 April 1550
aged 57-58
Inherited Lubin from her husband. As she didn't have children, the land passed, at her death, permanently to Legnica.
Lubin was definitely annexed to Legnica
Regencies of Anna of Brandenburg-Ansbach (1528–1539) and John III of Pernstein (1528–1545)
Wenceslaus III Adam December 1524
Cieszyn
Son of Wenceslaus II and Anna of Brandenburg-Ansbach
13 December 1528 – 4 November 1579 Duchy of Cieszyn Maria of Pernstein
8 February 1540
three children

Sidonia Catharina of Saxe-Lauenburg
25 November 1567
Cieszyn
six children
4 November 1579
Cieszyn
aged 54
Frederick Casimir December 1541
Cieszyn
Son of Wenceslaus III Adam and Maria of Pernstein
1560 – 4 May 1571 Catharina of Legnica
28 December 1563
Legnica
one child
4 May 1571
Cieszyn
aged 29
Son of Wenceslaus, co-ruled with him from 1560 but preceded his father in death.
Frederick III 22 February 1520
Legnica
First son of Frederick II and Sophie of Brandenburg-Ansbach-Kulmbach
17 September 1547 – 1551

1556 – 1559
Duchy of Legnica (with Lubin since 1550) Catherine of Mecklenburg-Schwerin
3 March 1538
Legnica
six children
15 December 1570
Legnica
aged 50
Children of Frederick II, divided the land: Frederick III kept Legnica (and absorbed Lubin in 1550), and George II inherited Brzeg. Frederick was deposed two times by Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor, and later Ferdinand I, Holy Roman Emperor, and put definitely under house arrest since 1559. Despite being deprived of power, after his death his wife received a dower seat.
George II the Pious 18 July 1523
Legnica
Second son of Frederick II and Sophie of Brandenburg-Ansbach-Kulmbach
17 September 1547 – 7 May 1586 Duchy of Brzeg Barbara of Brandenburg
15 February 1545
Berlin
seven children
7 May 1586
Brzeg
aged 62
Council of Regency presided by George II, Duke of Brzeg (1551-1556) Victim of the manouvers of the Holy Roman Emperors, who sought to depose his father. Installed very young, was deposed by his father, and restored again, when his father became imprisioned for life. He went abroad and left his brother Frederick on his stead, but he seized the opportunity to be recognized as the legitimate duke, in 1576. Thanks to the efforts of Sophie of Brandenburg, Henry XI was restored to the duchy in 1580, with Frederick as a co-ruler in Chojnów. However, after he disrespected the imperial authority, was again dispossessed, and took refuge in Poland.
Henry XI[53] 23 February 1539
Legnica
First son of Frederick III and Catherine of Mecklenburg-Schwerin
1551 – 1556

1559 – 13 March 1576

5 October 1580 – August 1581
Duchy of Legnica Sophie of Brandenburg-Ansbach
11 November 1560
Legnica
six children
3 March 1588
Kraków
aged 49
Catherine of Mecklenburg-Schwerin 14 April 1518
Daughter of Henry V, Duke of Mecklenburg-Schwerin and Helen of the Palatinate
15 December 1570 – 17 November 1581 Duchy of Legnica (in Chojnów) Frederick III
3 March 1538
Legnica
six children
17 November 1581
aged 63
Widow of Frederick III. Despite being the wife of a dispossessed duke, she received a dower seat after his death.
Frederick IV 20 April 1552
Legnica
Second son of Frederick III and Catherine of Mecklenburg-Schwerin
13 March 1576 – 27 March 1596 Duchy of Legnica
(in Legnica proper in 1576-1580 and since 1581; at Chojnów in 1580-1581)
Maria Sidonia of Cieszyn
20 January 1587
no children

Dorothea of Holstein-Sonderburg
23 November 1589
no children

Anna of Württemberg
24 October 1594
no children
27 March 1596
Legnica
aged 44
After his brother's definitive and forced retirement in Poland, Frederick could ascend as the new duke, without opposition. Left no descendants.
Legnica temporarily annexed to Brzeg
Regency of Sidonia Catharina of Saxe-Lauenburg (1579–1594)
Adam Wenceslaus 12 December 1574
Cieszyn
Son of Wenceslaus III Adam and Sidonia Catharina of Saxe-Lauenburg
4 November 1579 – 13 July 1617 Duchy of Cieszyn Elisabeth of Courland
17 September 1595
five children
13 July 1617
Cieszyn
aged 42
Barbara of Brandenburg 10 August 1527
Berlin
Daughter of Joachim II Hector, Elector of Brandenburg and Magdalena of Saxony
7 May 1586 – 2 January 1595 Duchy of Brzeg
(at Brzeg proper)
George II
15 February 1545
Berlin
seven children
2 January 1595
Brzeg
aged 67
Heirs of George II. Barbara received Brzeg as her widow's seat. The rest of the patrimony was shared by the two sons of George and Barbara, with Oława and Wołów as the main towns. The brothers ruled always jointly. In 1592, John George died and left Oława to his widow, Anna, confining Joachim Frederick's power to Wołów. However, Anna remarried in 1594, whoch meant her widow seat returned to her brother-in-law. In the following years, Joachim annexed his mother's dower in Brzeg (1595), and also Legnica in 1596.
Joachim Frederick 29 September 1550
Brzeg
First son of George II and Barbara of Brandenburg
7 May 1586 – 25 March 1602 Duchy of Brzeg
(at Oława (1586-92 and since 1594) and Wołów; in the entire Brzeg since 1595; in Duchy of Legnica since 1596)
Anna Maria of Anhalt
19 May 1577
Brzeg
six children
25 March 1602
Brzeg
aged 51
John George 17 June 1552
Wołów
Second son of George II and Barbara of Brandenburg
7 May 1586 – 6 July 1592 Duchy of Brzeg
(at Oława and Wołów)
Anna of Württemberg
16 September 1582
Brzeg
no children
6 July 1592
Oława
aged 40
Anna of Württemberg 12 June 1561
Stuttgart
Daughter of Christoph, Duke of Württemberg and Anna Maria of Brandenburg-Ansbach
6 July 1592 – 24 October 1594 Duchy of Brzeg
(at Oława)
John George
16 September 1582
Brzeg
no children

Frederick IV, Duke of Legnica
24 October 1594
no children
7 July 1616
Chojnów
aged 55
Anna Maria of Anhalt 29 September 1550
Zerbst
Daughter of Joachim Ernest, Prince of Anhalt and Agnes of Barby-Mühlingen
25 March 1602 – 14 November 1605 Duchy of Brzeg
(at Oława)
Joachim Frederick
19 May 1577
Brzeg
six children
14 November 1605
Brzeg
aged 55
Heirs of Joachim Frederick. His widow, Anna Maria, received Olawa as dower seat, and retained the regency for her minor children, together with her sister-in-law, Elisabeth Magdalena, and her husband, who ruled until the brothers came of age, in 1609. George Rudolf left no descendants and his patrimony was divided between his nephews.
Regencies of Anna Maria of Anhalt (1602–1605), Elisabeth Magdalena of Brzeg and Charles II of Poděbrady (1602–1609)
John Christian 28 August 1591
Oława
First son of Joachim Frederick and Anna Maria of Anhalt
25 March 1602 – 25 December 1639
(only de jure from 1633)
Duchy of Brzeg
(at Brzeg proper)
Dorothea Sibylle of Brandenburg
12 December 1610
Berlin
thirteen children

Anna Hedwig Sitzsch
13 September 1626
Brzeg
(morganatic)
seven children
25 December 1639
Ostróda
aged 48
George Rudolph 12 January 1595
Oława
Second son of Joachim Frederick and Anna Maria of Anhalt
25 March 1602 – 14 January 1653 Duchy of Legnica Sophie Elisabeth of Anhalt-Dessau
4 November 1614
Dessau
no children

Elisabeth Magdalena of Ziębice-Oleśnica
5 December 1624
no children
14 January 1653
Wrocław
aged 58
Regency of Charles of Austria, Bishop of Wroclaw (1617–24)
Frederick William 9 November 1601
Cieszyn
Son of Adam Wenceslaus and Elisabeth of Courland
13 July 1617 – 13 August 1625 Duchy of Cieszyn Unmarried 19 August 1625
Cologne
aged 23
Elizabeth Lucretia 1 June 1599
Cieszyn
Daughter of Adam Wenceslaus and Elisabeth of Courland
13 August 1625 – 19 May 1653 Duchy of Cieszyn Gundakar, Prince of Liechtenstein
23 April 1618
no children
19 May 1653
Cieszyn
aged 53
After her death, Cieszyn was annexed by the Holy Roman Empire.
Cieszyn efinitively annexed to the Holy Roman Empire
George III 4 September 1611
Brzeg
First son of John Christian and Dorothea Sibylle of Brandenburg
25 December 1639 – 4 July 1664
(co-ruling de facto as regent since 1633)
Duchy of Brzeg
(in Duchy of Legnica in 1653-1654 and 1663-1664)
Sophia Catharina of Ziębice-Oleśnica
23 February 1638
Bernstadt
one child

Elisabeth Marie Charlotte of Palatinate-Kaiserslautern
19 October 1660
Brzeg
no children
4 July 1664
Brzeg
aged 52
Sons of John Christian, ruled jointly in Legnica. George was already duke of Brzeg since his father's death. As George had no descendants, he was succeeded in his domains by his brother Christian. The latter, after his own death, left Oława for his widow, and the remaining lands were inherited by his own son.
Louis IV 19 April 1616
Brzeg
Fifth son of John Christian and Dorothea Sibylle of Brandenburg
25 December 1639 – 24 November 1663
(co-ruling de facto in Brzeg as regent since 1633)
Duchy of Legnica
(in Duchy of Brzeg until 1653; at Legnica since 1653)
Anna Sophie of Mecklenburg-Güstrow
8 May 1649
Brzeg
one child
24 November 1663
Legnica
aged 47
Christian 9 April 1618
Oława
Seventh son of John Christian and Dorothea Sibylle of Brandenburg
25 December 1639 – 28 February 1672
(co-ruling de facto in Brzeg as regent 1633-1639)
Duchy of Brzeg
(at Oława; in Duchies of Legnica and Brzeg since 1664)
Louise of Anhalt-Dessau
24 November 1648
Dessau
four children
28 February 1672
Oława
aged 53
Louise of Anhalt-Dessau 10 February 1631
Dessau
Daughter of John Casimir, Prince of Anhalt-Dessau and Agnes of Hesse-Kassel
28 February 1672 – 25 April 1680 Duchy of Brzeg
(at Oława)
Christian
24 November 1648
Dessau
four children
25 April 1680
Oława
aged 49
Heirs of Christian. Louise retained her dower seat at Oława and the regency for her son over the rest of the duchies. George William was the last male representative of the House of Piast, as he died without descendants. After their deaths, their duchies were annexed by the Holy Roman Empire.
Regency of Louise of Anhalt-Dessau (1672–1675)
George William 29 September 1660
Oława
Son of Christian and Louise of Anhalt-Dessau
28 February 1672 – 21 November 1675 Duchy of Brzeg
(at Brzeg proper; with Duchy of Legnica)
Unmarried 21 November 1675
Brzeg
aged 15
Oława, Legnica and Brzeg annexed to the Holy Roman Empire

Přemyslid Dukes of Silesia[edit]

Partitions of Bohemian Silesia under Přemyslid dynasty[edit]

       Below follows a simplified table of Silesia's partitions:

       Piast Ráciborz
(1282-1336)
      
Opava
(1269-1456)
(brief annexation to
Piast Legnica in 1308-11
      
Ráciborz
(1378-1521)
Krnov
(1424-1493)
(brief annexation to
Hungary in 1474-90)
Glubczyce
(1433-1485)
      
Pledged to
Opole and
annexed to
Bohemia
Annexed to
Bohemia
Annexed to
Bohemia
Annexed to
Opole

Table of rulers[edit]

Notes:
  • The numbering of the Silesian Premyslid rulers is a problematic matter between scholars, as different sources numbers and orders them differently.
Ruler Born Reign Ruling part Consort Death Notes
Nicholas I 1255
Natural son of Premysl Ottokar II, King of Bohemia and Agnes of Kuenring
1269 – 25 July 1318 Duchy of Opava Adelaide of Habsburg
1283
three children
25 July 1318
Brno
aged 62-63
Inherited from his father the Silesian duchy of Opava, which was independent from the Piast territory in Silesia.
Nicholas II 1288
Son of Nicholas I and Adelaide of Habsburg
25 July 1318 – 8 December 1365 Duchy of Opava Anna, Duchess of Racibórz
1318
six children

Hedwig of Oleśnica
(d.1359)
May 1342
one child

Judith of Opole
1360
three children
8 December 1365
aged 76-77
John I 1332
First son of Nicholas II and Hedwig of Oleśnica
8 December 1365 – 1382 Duchy of Racibórz Anna of Głogów-Żagań
(d.1369)
1361
three children
1382
aged 49-50
Children of Nicholas II, divided their inheritance; After Nicholas III's death, Glubczyce returned to Opava.
Nicholas III 1339
Second son of Nicholas II and Hedwig of Oleśnica
8 December 1365 – 9 July 1394 Duchy of Opava
(at Glubczyce)
Unmarried 9 July 1394
aged 54-55
Premislaus I c.1350
Third son of Nicholas II and Hedwig of Oleśnica
8 December 1365 – 28 September 1433 Duchy of Opava Anna of Lutz
(d.1405)
1395
three children

Catherine of Ziębice
c.1405
three children

Helena of Bosnia
1425
three children
28 September 1433
Opava
aged 82-83?
Wenceslaus I 1361
Fourth son of Nicholas II and Hedwig of Oleśnica
8 December 1365 – 1381 Unmarried 1381
aged 19-20
Glubczyce returned to Opava
John II of Iron c.1365
First son of John I and Anna of Głogów-Żagań
1382 – 1424 Duchy of Racibórz
(at Racibórz proper)
Helena of Lithuania
16 January 1407
three children
1424
aged 58-59
Children of John I, divided the land. John kept the main Ráciborz and Krnov, and Nicholas was given Bruntál. John lost Krnov in 1388, but recovered it in 1422.
Nicholas IV c.1370
Second son of John I and Anna of Głogów-Żagań
1382 – 1406 Duchy of Racibórz
(at Bruntál)
Unmarried 1406
aged 35-36
Bruntál remerged in Racibórz
Wenceslaus II 1405
First son of John II and Helena of Lithuania
1424 – 29 October 1456 Duchy of Racibórz Margaret of Szamotuł
1437
four children
29 October 1456
aged 50-51
Children of John II, divided their inheritance.
Nicholas V 1409
Second son of John II and Helena of Lithuania
1424 – 22 December 1452 Duchy of Krnov Margaret Clemm of Ellguth
three children

Barbara Rockemberg
1451
Kraków
two children
22 December 1452
aged 42-43
Wenceslaus II 1397
First son of Premislaus I and Anna of Lutz
28 September 1433 – 1449 Duchy of Głubczyce Elisabeth of Kravař
1420
two children
1449
aged 51-52
Children of Premislaus I, divided the land. William and Ernest inherited the duchy of Ziebice in succession, alongside Opava, where they ruled together with their half- brother Nicholas IV (and possibly also Premislaus II). In 1452, after William's death, Ernest and his brothers associated William's sons as co-rulers. Wenceslaus II, another half-brother, inherited a part of Opava centered around Glubczyce. In 1456, Ziebice was annexed to the Podebrady family's patrimony. In 1464, the duchy of Opava was sold to Bohemia.
Nicholas IV 1400
Second son of Premislaus I and Anna of Lutz
28 September 1433 – 1437 Duchy of Opava
(at Zlaté Hory)
Unmarried 1437
aged 36-37
William 1410
First son of Premislaus I and Catherine of Ziębice
28 September 1433 – 15 August 1452 Duchy of Opava
(with Duchy of Ziębice since 1443)
Salomea of Častolovice
five children
15 August 1452
aged 41-42
Ernest 1415
Second son of Premislaus I and Catherine of Ziębice
28 September 1433 – 8 March 1456 Duchy of Opava
(with Duchy of Ziębice 1452-1456)
Unmarried 1464
aged 48-49
Premislaus II the Elder c.1425
Son of Premislaus I and Helena of Bosnia
28 September 1433 – 8 March 1456 Duchy of Opava 16 June 1478
Wrocław
aged 52-53
Frederick 1440
First son of William and Salomea of Častolovice
15 August 1452 – 8 March 1456 1470
aged 29-30
Wenceslaus III 1445
Second son of William and Salomea of Častolovice
1474
aged 28-29
Premislaus III the Younger 1450
Third son of William and Salomea of Častolovice
17 February 1493
aged 42-43
Zlaté Hory remerged in Opava; Opava pledged to Opole by debt, later transferred in 1464 to Bohemia: annexation to Bohemia; Ziębice was annexed to the Podiebrad family
Janusz 1420
First son of Wenceslaus II and Elisabeth of Kravař
1449 – 1454 Duchy of Glubczyce
(in Fulnek)
Unmarried 1454
aged 59-60
Children of Wenceslaus II, divided the land, which was reunited shortly by John III.
John III the Pious 1425
Second son of Wenceslaus II and Elisabeth of Kravař
1449 – 1485 Duchy of Głubczyce
(in Głubczyce proper)
Catherine
(d.1485)
no children
1485
aged 59-60
Fulnek remerged in Glubczyce
Barbara Rockemberg c.1410?
? Rockemberg?
1452 – November 1463 Krnov
(at Pszczyna)
Wilhelm Willandt
no children

Jerzy Orient
one child

Nicholas V
1451
Kraków
two children
November 1463
aged 52-53
Heirs of Nicholas V. Barbara, Nicholas' widow, inherited a dower seat and the position of regent for her stepsons, who inherited the main duchy and divided it after attaining majority. In 1474, John lost the main duchy (later claimed by his sister) but kept some towns for himself.
Regency of Barbara Rockemberg (1452-1462)
John IV the Elder 1440
First son of Nicholas V and Margaret Clemm of Ellguth
1452 – 1483 Krnov
(at Krnov proper until 1474; at Wodzisław Śląski in since 1474)
Unmarried 1483
aged 42-43
Wenceslaus III 1442
Second son of Nicholas V and Margaret Clemm of Ellguth
1452 – 1478 Krnov
(at Rybnik)
Unmarried 1478
aged 35-36
Pszczyna annexed to Krnov; Krnov temporarily annexed to Bohemia (1474-1490); Rybnik and Wodzisław Śląski definitely annexed to Bohemia
Regency of Margaret of Szamotuł (1456-1464)
John V the Younger 1446
Son of Wenceslaus II and Margaret of Szamotuł
29 October 1456 – 14 April 1493 Duchy of Racibórz Magdalena of Opole
13 January 1478
Opole
four children
14 April 1493
aged 46-47
Anna c.1430
Daughter of Wenceslaus II and Elisabeth of Kravař
1485 Duchy of Głubczyce Jan Zajic of Hasenburg
(d.1485)
no children
29 April 1478 or 15 May 1505
aged 74-75?
Traditionally dead in 1478, the duchy, without heirs, would have been returned to Bohemia. However, according to other sources, she died in 1505, which opens the possibility of her claiming of the duchy.
Głubczyce annexed to Bohemia
Barbara 1445
Daughter of Nicholas V and Margaret Clemm of Ellguth
1490 – 27 April 1510 Duchy of Krnov John IV, Duke of Oświęcim
1475
one child
27 April 1510
aged 64-65
Claimed (and ruled, effectively) her family's duchy from 1490, co-ruling with her son-in-law since 1493[55]
Krnov annexed to Oswiecim (1510-1524) and later sold to Brandenburg (see table above)
Regency of Magdalena of Opole (1493-1499) Children of John V, ruled jointly. In 1521, after the childless brothers' death, the duchy returned to Opole.
Nicholas VI 1478
First son of John V and Magdalena of Opole
14 April 1493 – 3 November 1506 Duchy of Racibórz Unmarried 3 November 1506
Kraków
aged 27-28
John VI 1484
Second son of John V and Magdalena of Opole
14 April 1493 – December 1506 December 1506
aged 21-22
Valentin the Hunchback 1485
Third son of John V and Magdalena of Opole
14 April 1493 – 13 November 1521 13 November 1521
Racibórz
aged 35-36
Racibórz reunited with Opole

Podiebrad Dukes of Silesia[edit]

Partitions of Silesia under Podiebrad dynasty[edit]

       Part of
Piast dynasty
property
County of
Kladsko

(1471-1501)
Duchy of
Ziębice

(1456-1569)
Duchy of
Oleśnica

(1498-1686)
Annexed to the
Hardegg family
property
       Duchy of
Bierutów

(1536-1587)
Annexed to the
Holy Roman
Empire
      

Table of rulers[edit]

Ruler Born Reign Ruling part Consort Death Notes
George (I) 23 April 1420
Poděbrady Castle
Son of Victor, Lord of Kunštát and Poděbrady and Anna of Wartenberg
8 March 1456 – 22 March 1471 Duchy of Ziębice Kunigunde of Sternberg
1441
three children

Johana of Rožmitál
1450
four children
22 March 1471
Prague
aged 50
Also King of Bohemia.
Victor 29 May 1443
Poděbrady Castle
Second son of George (I) and Kunigunde of Sternberg
22 March 1471 – 1485 Duchy of Ziębice
(at Opava; in Pszczyna until 1480)
Margaret Ptáček of Pirkstein
1463
one child

Sophie of Cieszyn
1464
three children

Elena-Margaret Palaiologina of Montferrat
1480
three children
30 August 1500
Český Těšín
aged 57
Children of George, divided their inheritance. Victor also inherited Pszczyna, but gave it to his daughter and son-in-law in 1480
Henry I the Elder 15 May 1448
Poděbrady Castle
Third son of George (I) and Kunigunde of Sternberg
22 March 1471 – 24 June 1498 Duchy of Ziębice Ursula of Brandenburg
9 September 1467
Cheb
eight children
24 June 1498
Kłodzko
aged 50
Henry (II) the Younger 18 May 1452
Prague
Son of George (I) and Johana of Rožmitál
22 March 1471 – 1 July 1492 County of Kłodzko Catherine of Thuringia
26 February 1471
one child
1 July 1492
Poděbrady Castle
aged 40
Opava annexed to Hungary
Kłodzko briefly annexed to Ziębice
Johanna 1463
Poděbrady Castle
Daughter of Victor, Duke of Münsterberg and Margaret Ptáček of Pirkstein
15 February 1480 – 24 July 1496 Duchy of Ziębice
(in Pszczyna)
Casimir II, Duke of Cieszyn
15 February 1480
two children
24 July 1496
aged 32-33
She was given Pszczyna possibly at the time of her wedding with the Duke of Cieszyn.
Pszczyna annexed to Cieszyn
Albert 3 August 1468
Kunětická hora Castle
First son of Henry I and Ursula of Brandenburg
24 June 1498 – 5 May 1501 County of Kłodzko Salomea of Głogów-Żagań
(1475-1514)
1487
one child
12 July 1511
Prostějov
aged 42
Children of Henry I, divided their inheritance. In 1501, due to financial problems, Kłodzko was sold to the Hardegg family.
George I 2 October 1470
Litice Castle
Second son of Henry I and Ursula of Brandenburg
24 June 1498 – 10 November 1502 Duchy of Oleśnica Hedwig of Głogów-Żagań
(1477-1524)
7 January 1488
Głogów
no children
10 November 1502
Oleśnica
aged 32
Charles I 2/4 May 1476
Kłodzko
Fourth son of Henry I and Ursula of Brandenburg
24 June 1498 – 31 May 1536 Duchy of Ziębice Anna of Głogów-Żagań
7 January 1488
Głogów
twelve children
31 May 1536
Ząbkowice Śląskie
aged 60
Kłodzko sold to the Hardegg family
Oleśnica was briefly remerged in Ziębice
Joachim 18 January 1503
Oleśnica
Second son of Charles I and Anna of Głogów-Żagań
31 May 1536 – 1542 Duchy of Ziębice Unmarried 27 December 1562
Wrocław
aged 59
Childrne of Charles I, divided their inheritance. In 1542, Joachim and John pledegd their duchy to the Duchy of Legnica, and was then lost to Hungary; Joachim retired to clergy. However, John, after inheriting his brother George's duchy in 1553, managed to recover the lost Ziębice in 1559.
John 4 November 1509
Oleśnica
Fourth son of Charles I and Anna of Głogów-Żagań
31 May 1536 – 1542

1559 – 28 February 1565
Duchy of Ziębice Christina Catherine of Schidlowitz
20 February 1536
one child

Margaret of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel
8 September 1561
Oleśnica
no children
28 February 1565
Oleśnica
aged 56
Henry II 29 March 1507
Oleśnica
Third son of Charles I and Anna of Głogów-Żagań
31 May 1536 – 2 August 1548 Duchy of Bierutów Margaret of Pernštejn
7 February 1529
no children

Margaret of Mecklenburg-Schwerin
(1515–1586)
12 November 1537
seven children
2 August 1548
Bierutów
aged 45
George II 30 April 1512
Oleśnica
Fifth son of Charles I and Anna of Głogów-Żagań
31 May 1536 – 13 January 1553 Duchy of Oleśnica Elizabeth Kostka of Postupitz
no children
31 May 1536
Oleśnica
aged 40
Oleśnica was briefly remerged in Ziębice
Regency of John, Duke of Ziębice (1548-1565) Heirs of Henry II. Co-ruled jointly in Bierutów until 1569, when the death of their cousin Charles Christopher made them divide their possessions: Henry kept Bierutów, and Charles inherited Oleśnica. However, Henry was indebted, had to sell the Bierutów to the von Schindel family. Charles recovered it in 1604.
Henry III 29 April 1542
Oleśnica
First son of Henry II and Margaret of Mecklenburg-Schwerin
2 August 1548 – 1574 Duchy of Bierutów Magdalena Meseritsch of Lomnitz
no children
10 April 1587
Oleśnica
aged 44
Charles II 29 March 1507
Oleśnica
Fourth son of Henry II and Margaret of Mecklenburg-Schwerin
2 August 1548 – 28 January 1617 Duchy of Oleśnica
(in Bierutów until 1574 and from 1604; in Oleśnica proper since 1569)
Catherine Berka of Dubá
17 September 1570
Moravská Třebová
two children

Elisabeth Magdalena of Brzeg
30 September 1585
eight children
28 January 1617
Oleśnica
aged 71
Between 1574 and 1604, Bierutów belonged to the von Schindel family
Charles Christopher 22 May 1545
Oleśnica
Son of John and Christina Catherine of Schidlowitz
28 February 1565 – 17 March 1569 Duchy of Ziębice Unmarried 17 March 1569
Oleśnica
aged 23
After his death, his domains were divided; while Ziębice merged in the Holy Roman Empire, Oleśnica was inherited by the Bierutów line.
Ziębice was annexed to the Holy Roman Empire; Oleśnica was inherited by the Bierutów line
Henry Wenceslaus 7 October 1592
Oleśnica
Third son of Charles II and Elisabeth Magdalena of Brzeg
28 January 1617 – 21 August 1639 Duchy of Oleśnica
(in Bierutów until 1574 and from 1604; in Oleśnica proper since 1569)
Anna Magdalena of the Palatinate-Veldenz
7 November 1617
Oleśnica
eight children

Anna Ursula of Reibnitz
(1616 - 1 January 1657)
26 August 1636
(morganatic)
three children
21 August 1639
Bierutów
aged 46
Heirs of Charles II, divided their inheritance.
Charles Frederick 18 October 1593
Oleśnica
Fourth son of Charles II and Elisabeth Magdalena of Brzeg
28 January 1617 – 31 May 1647 Duchy of Oleśnica Anna Sophia of Saxe-Altenburg
24 November 1618
Oleśnica
one child

Sophia Magdalena of Brzeg
2 December 1642
Wrocław
no children
31 May 1647
Oleśnica
aged 53
Bierutów remerged in Oleśnica
Elisabeth Marie 11 May 1625
Oleśnica
Daughter of Charles Frederick and Anna Sophia of Saxe-Altenburg
31 May 1647 – 17 March 1686 Duchy of Oleśnica Silvius I Nimrod, Duke of Württemberg-Oels
1 May 1647
Oleśnica
seven children
17 March 1686
Oleśnica
aged 60
Last heiress of the Podiebrad family. After her death, her duchy was annexed to Württemberg.
Oleśnica annexed to Württemberg

The Ecclesiastical Duchy of Nysa[edit]

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

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

Prussian part secularised in 1810.

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

Theocracy abolished in 1850.

See also[edit]

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[edit]

  1. ^ As Opole kept the original capital of Opole-Racibórz, the duchy will be pictured with the same color.
  2. ^ divided into Świdnica and Jawor between 1312 and 1346
  3. ^ Zator split few years before the annexation of Oświęcim to Poland; Zator therefore will be seen as a direct successor duchy, and will be pictured with the same color.
  4. ^ Briefly recovered by Jawor between 1337 and 1346.
  5. ^ The dukes changed their capital to Chojnów in early 1440's, and sold the town of Lubin to Głogów, which was bought back in 1482 by Legnica. The recovery of Legnica by Chojnów (1454) recentered the capital to this recovered town, and, until 1488, the territory of Chojnów and later Lubin became part of the Legnica. Lubin re-emerged in 1488, but was definitely annexed to Legnica in 1550
  6. ^ Shared a half, between 1358 and 1368, with Świdnica-Jawor; Olawa split between 1400 and 1454 and eventually joined Legnica
  7. ^ Brzeg was bought from Opole in 1481 and Lubin from Głogów in 1482
  8. ^ Olawa split from Brzeg in three periods: 1586–1595, 1602–1605, 1672–1680. The latter two were dowries as well.
  9. ^ a b Avoid confusion between Henry III the White and Henry III, duke of Głogów
  10. ^ a b Avoid confusion between Conrad I of Głogów and Conrad I of Oleśnica, later inheritor of a part of Głogów.
  11. ^ Avoid confusion with the later duke of Żagań, Henry IV the Faithful
  12. ^ A new line of dukes started with Conrad I, and Henry was his son. As Henry was, like his uncle Henry III the White, descendant of Henry II, he was numbered, not according to his uncle, but independently as a new line.
  13. ^ a b Avoid confusion between dukes Conrad II of Żagań, known as the Hunchback and Conrad II of Oleśnica, known as the Gray.
  14. ^ Albeit more known as Przemko, his true name was probably Premislaus
  15. ^ a b Avoid confusion between dukes Henry V of Legnica and Henry V of Żagań
  16. ^ Ruled in Swidnica-Jawor since 1273, and abdicated at his father's death, when the partitions were made.
  17. ^ Albeit more known as Bolko, his true name was probably Boleslaus. Avoid confusion with his contemporary, Bolko I of Opole.
  18. ^ A new line of dukes starts with Mieszko I, who is thereby counted as I.
  19. ^ A new line of dukes starts with Casimir, who is thereby counted as I.
  20. ^ a b Applied for Bolko I and Bolko II of Opole. Albeit more known as Bolko, their true name was probably Boleslaus, name with they are also stated in sources. Bolko I was the first Boleslaus/Bolko in Upper Silesia and he was numbered as such. However, avoid confusion with his Lower Silesian contemporary, Bolko I the Strict. The same can be said to Bolko II of Opole. Avoid confusiom between him and his Lower Silesian contemporaries, Bolko the Small and Bolko II of Ziębice.
  21. ^ a b Avoid confusion between dukes Henry VI of Wrocław, known as the Good and Henry VI of Żagań, known as the Elder
  22. ^ A new line of dukes started with Bolko I, and Henry was his son. However, unlike Głogów line, who followed Henry the Pious, this Henry didn't follow any numbering of his ancestors, and styled himself as the I.
  23. ^ Albeit known as Bolko, his true name was probably Boleslaus. Starter of a new line of dukes, he recognized his father's numbering
  24. ^ Avoid confusion with the prior duke of Wrocław, Henry IV the Just
  25. ^ Albeit more known as Przemko, probably his true name was Premislaus.
  26. ^ a b Applied to Władysław of Oświęcim and Władysław of Bytom. They styled themselves I, ignoring the numbering of their ancestor and last duke of the united Opole-Racibórz, Ladislaus I of Opole-Racibórz. Avoid confusion with this two contemporary dukes
  27. ^ Documented as such in 1340.
  28. ^ Albeit known as Bolko, his true name was probably Boleslaus. Avoid confusion with his Lower Silesian uncle, Bolko II of Ziębice, and the Upper Silesian Bolko II of Opole.
  29. ^ a b c Avoid confusion between the Lower Silesian Wenceslaus I of Legnica, and the Upper Silesians Wenceslaus I of Cieszyn and Wenceslaus I of Zator
  30. ^ Ladislaus, as ruler of Opole and a direct descendant of Ladislaus I of Opole-Racibórz, numbered himself II.
  31. ^ Not counting the regents of Opole-Racibórz, Henry was in fact the first (and only) ruler in Upper Silesia to bear this name, more usual in Lower Silesia. In fact, his mother, Elisabeth of Świdnica, was Lower Silesian.
  32. ^ a b Applied to Upper Silesian Bolko III of Strzelce and Lower Silesian Bolko III of Ziębice. Albeit more known as Bolko, their true name must have been Boleslaus. Avoid confusion between these two contemporary dukes.
  33. ^ Albeit following the numberings of the rulers named Bolko, the same is not applied to the dukes Henry in Ziębice. Henry is styled the I, ignoring the numbering of Henry II the Pious.
  34. ^ a b c Avoid confusion between Lower Silesian Wenceslaus II of Legnica and the Upper Silesians Wenceslaus II of Zator and Wenceslaus II of Cieszyn
  35. ^ Numbered higher, as Henry VII of Brzeg, despite succeeding to his father only in 1398, was co-ruling with his father since 1361, sooner than Henry VIII's ascension.
  36. ^ a b Avoid confusion between contemporary dukes Henry VIII of Legnica and Henry VIII of Głogów, known as the Sparrow
  37. ^ a b Avoid confusion between contemporary dukes of Legnica-Brzeg, Henry VII of Brzeg known as the Courageous or with a Scar and Henry VII of Głogów, known as Rumpold or the Middle
  38. ^ a b Note that both Henry VII and his nephew Henry X bore the surname Rumpold
  39. ^ a b Albeit more known as Bolko, his true name was probably Boleslaus.
  40. ^ Bernard was the first Upper Silesian ruler to bear this name.
  41. ^ a b Avoid confusion between the contemporary dukes John I of Żagań and John I of Opole
  42. ^ a b Avoid confusion between contemporary dukes Henry IX of Lubin and Henry IX the Elder of Żagań. Henry IX the Elder has also the same sobriquet as his uncle, Henry VI.
  43. ^ a b Avoid confusion between dukes Henry X of Lubin and Henry X of Głogów.
  44. ^ Numbered lower than Henry VIII of Legnica (who ascended in 1364) because he was co-ruling with his father since 1361.
  45. ^ Kantner refers to this town, possibly the one where he was born.
  46. ^ a b Prusice was ceded by Conrad V to his brother Conrad VII, in 1421.
  47. ^ a b Wołów was ceded by Conrad VI to his brother Conrad V, in 1420.
  48. ^ In fact, the half of Ścinawa inherited from John, Duke of Ścinawa in 1365.
  49. ^ Her rule was contested by the Častolovice family, apparently invested with the duchy by the Bohemian king, until 1435.
  50. ^ Silesiacarum Rerum Scriptores (1729), Codicis Silesiæ Diplomatici, CXXV, p. 1004.
  51. ^ Ruled jointly with his sister-in-law, Margareta of Celje.
  52. ^ Strangely he was not numbered II, when he had an uncle with this name who co-ruled in the same duchy.
  53. ^ a b Avoid confusion between Henry XI of Głogów and Henry XI of Legnica.
  54. ^ John adopted the numbering V, after his uncle, Jan IV of Oświęcim
  55. ^ Helena Osvětimská, 2020-03-06

Bibliography[edit]

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

Sites[edit]

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