Silesia

The Duchy of Silesia was a Piast principality centered on Wrocław, created by the partition of Poland in 1138. A division between the ruling brothers in 1172 began its fragmentation into smaller duchies.

Most Silesian duchies came under Bohemian suzerainty in 1327, and Poland renounced its claims in 1335. In the eighteenth century Frederick II of Prussia fought Maria Theresa of Austria for the region; the first Silesian War ended in 1742 with most of Silesia ceded to Prussia.