Duchy of Legnica

The Duchy of Legnica, also known as the Duchy of Liegnitz, was a Silesian duchy that existed from 1248 to 1675. Formed during the fragmentation of Poland, it was ruled by a local line of the Piast dynasty. Its capital was Legnica in Lower Silesia, where Legnica Castle served as the seat of the principality. The duchy was founded by Bolesław II the Bald, Duke of Lower Silesia at Wrocław. Over its history, the Duchy of Legnica came under Bohemian, Austrian, and eventually Prussian spheres of influence. The Piast line ruling the duchy became extinct in 1675, leading to its dissolution on November 21 of that year.