Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth at its Maximum Extent Over Modern Borders | Brilliant Maps

  

POST-NOTE:  

The Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth (1569–1795) was a large, multi-ethnic, and multi-faith state in Central and Eastern Europe, formed by the Union of Lublin.  

• It was a "Noble's Democracy" or "Golden Freedom" state, characterized by a decentralized political system with an elected monarch whose power was limited by a powerful parliament (the Sejm) controlled by the nobility (szlachta).  
• Despite its initial strength and unique political liberties, the Commonwealth eventually declined due to internal conflicts, legislative paralysis from the liberum veto, and foreign interference, leading to its partition and disappearance from the map by the late 18th century