Place details
Place nameSilesia
Other namesSlask, Slezsko, Schlesien, Silésie
SourceThesaurus of Geographic Names
Overview
Area located in E central Europe, including SW Poland & smaller sections of Czech Republic & eastern Germany; was inhabited by Vandal Silingars from 3rd century BCE; Slavic immigrants arrived 6th century CE; subsequently ruled by various German & Polish powers; was part of Holy Roman Empire, acquired by Habsburgs, & conquered by Prussians.