The Kingdom of Poland was a historical state in Central Europe that existed from the 10th century until 1795. It was established under the rule of the Piast dynasty and became a significant political and cultural center in the region. The kingdom experienced periods of expansion and consolidation, particularly during the reign of Casimir III the Great, who strengthened its borders and economy. In 1569, the Kingdom of Poland formed a political union with the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, creating the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. This union lasted until the late 18th century when the kingdom was partitioned by neighboring powers, including Prussia, Austria, and Russia, leading to its eventual disappearance from the map of Europe.