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