The Principality of Leiningen was a small German principality located in the region of Rhineland-Palatinate. Established in the early 19th century, it was part of the larger Holy Roman Empire and later became part of the German Confederation. The principality was ruled by the House of Leiningen, a noble family with historical ties to various European royal houses. In 1806, the principality was created when the Duchy of Leiningen was elevated to principality status. It existed until 1866, when it was absorbed into the Grand Duchy of Hesse following the Austro-Prussian War. Today, the legacy of the principality is reflected in its historical sites and the lineage of its former rulers.