View source for Ottokar II of Bohemia

== Early Life ==

Ottokar II, also known as [[Ottokar II of Bohemia|Ottokar II Přemysl]], was born in 1233. He was the eldest son of King [[Wenceslaus I of Bohemia|Wenceslaus I]] and his wife, [[Kunigunde of Swabia|Kunigunde]]. He belonged to the [[Přemyslid dynasty|Přemyslid]] dynasty, a royal dynasty which ruled in the lands of Bohemia and Moravia.

[[Image:Detail-64588.jpg|thumb|center|A young Ottokar II, dressed in royal attire.|class=only_on_mobile]]
[[Image:Detail-64589.jpg|thumb|center|A young Ottokar II, dressed in royal attire.|class=only_on_desktop]]

== Ascension to the Throne ==

Upon the death of his father in 1253, Ottokar II ascended the throne of Bohemia. His rule was initially marked by a power struggle with his younger brother, [[Vladislaus III of Moravia|Vladislaus]]. However, Ottokar II eventually managed to consolidate his power and establish his rule over the entire kingdom.

== Expansion of Power ==

Ottokar II was a highly ambitious ruler. He sought to expand his power beyond the borders of Bohemia, aiming to establish a vast Central European empire. His expansionist policies led to the acquisition of Austria, Styria, Carinthia, and Carniola, territories that were part of the [[Babenberg]] inheritance.

== Conflict with Rudolf I ==

Ottokar II's expansionist policies eventually led to conflict with [[Rudolf I of Germany|Rudolf I]], the newly elected King of the Romans. Rudolf I sought to curb Ottokar II's power and reclaim the territories that were part of the Babenberg inheritance. This led to the outbreak of the [[Austro-Prussian War]], a conflict that would ultimately lead to Ottokar II's downfall.

== Battle of Marchfeld ==

The [[Battle of Marchfeld]] was a decisive moment in Ottokar II's reign. The battle, which took place on August 26, 1278, saw the forces of Ottokar II pitted against those of Rudolf I. Despite a valiant effort, Ottokar II's forces were defeated, and the king himself was killed in the battle.

[[Image:Detail-64590.jpg|thumb|center|The Battle of Marchfeld, with soldiers clashing on the battlefield.|class=only_on_mobile]]
[[Image:Detail-64591.jpg|thumb|center|The Battle of Marchfeld, with soldiers clashing on the battlefield.|class=only_on_desktop]]

== Legacy ==

Despite his defeat and death at the Battle of Marchfeld, Ottokar II left a significant legacy. His ambitious expansionist policies laid the groundwork for the future rise of the [[Habsburg]] dynasty, which would rule over a vast Central European empire for centuries to come.

== See Also ==

* [[Přemyslid dynasty]]
* [[Rudolf I of Germany]]
* [[Austro-Prussian War]]

[[Category:Bohemian Monarchs]]
[[Category:13th Century Monarchs]]
[[Category:Medieval European Rulers]]