Feudal fragmentation

Feudal fragmentation[1] is a process whereby a feudal state is split into smaller regional state structures, each characterized by significant autonomy, if not outright independence, and ruled by a high-ranking noble such as a prince or a duke.

[4][5] Feudal fragmentation occurs after the death of the legitimate ruler leaves no clear heirs, and rulers of various subdivisions of the original state fail at electing or agreeing on a new leader for the previous, larger entity.

In some cases (for example, the Holy Roman Empire), such a leader may be elected, yet wield much lesser powers than those of his predecessor.

Feudal fragmentation is related to the concepts of agnatic seniority and principate.

[3] This phenomenon has occurred in the history of several countries and regions: According to Samir Amin, feudal fragmentation has been mostly a European phenomenon and did not occur in the history of China or Islamic Middle Eastern states.

Division of the Polish state in 1138:
Seniorate Province.
Pomeranian vassals under the rule of the Seniorate Province.
Silesian Province of Władysław II .
Masovian Province of Bolesław IV .
Greater Poland Province of Mieszko III .
Sandomierz Province of Henry .
Łęczyca Province of Salomea of Berg .