This list of rulers of Estonia starts with the ancient Counties and Parishes each headed by Seniores and Meliores (Elders) as noted by Henry of Livonia. The highest political institutions in Estonia during ancient times were the Maavald Kingdom (king Lembitu Wytamas 1211–1217, ruler of the Estonian army) (memorial Lembitu) The administrative jurisdiction of the parish and county elders were limited, the counties themselves remained autonomous until the German and Danish conquest in the 13th century. Ending with the states and the rulers of states (starting from the time of the first successful Danish conquest in 1219) who either ruled or laid claims of sovereignty over some parts of the territory of present-day Estonia, as well as the leaders of the independent Republic of Estonia since 19