Přemyslid dynasty
Origins
The Přemyslid dynasty, also known as the House of Přemyslid, was a royal dynasty which reigned in the Duchy of Bohemia and later Kingdom of Bohemia and Margraviate of Moravia (collectively, the Czech lands), as well as in parts of Poland (including Silesia), Hungary, and Austria. The dynasty's origins are shrouded in myth and legend, but it is generally accepted that it was founded in the 9th century by Přemysl, the Ploughman, and his wife Libuše, a prophetess and daughter of a local tribal chieftain.
Early Přemyslid Rulers
The early Přemyslid rulers are known primarily from legends, such as the Chronicle of Dalimil. The first historical Přemyslid ruler was Duke Bořivoj I, who was baptized in 874 by Saint Methodius and subsequently established a number of bishoprics in Bohemia. His reign marked the beginning of the Christianization of the Czech lands. His son, Spytihněv I, further consolidated Christian rule and paid tribute to the powerful East Frankish king, Arnulf. This policy of alliance with the East Frankish Kingdom continued under the reign of Spytihněv's brother, Vratislaus I, who swore fealty to King Henry the Fowler of East Francia in 929.
Golden Age
The Přemyslid dynasty reached its zenith under the reign of Ottokar I and his son Wenceslaus II. Ottokar I (1198–1230) was the first Přemyslid ruler to use the title of king, which he received from Emperor Frederick II. He embarked on a policy of expansion, acquiring Austria, Styria, Carinthia, and Carniola, and established Prague as a major center of power in Central Europe. His son, Wenceslaus II, continued his father's expansionist policies, acquiring Poland and Hungary and creating a vast Central European empire.
Decline and Fall
The decline of the Přemyslid dynasty began with the reign of Wenceslaus III, who was assassinated in 1306, ending the male line of the dynasty. The throne subsequently passed to the Luxembourgs and later to other dynasties. The Přemyslids, however, continued to hold the Duchy of Troppau and other lands as vassals of the Bohemian crown. The last male member of the dynasty, Nicholas II, Duke of Troppau, died in 1365.
Legacy
The Přemyslid dynasty left a lasting legacy in the Czech lands and beyond. They established the Duchy of Bohemia as a significant power in Central Europe, laid the foundations for the Kingdom of Bohemia, and played a crucial role in the Christianization of the Slavic peoples. The dynasty's rule also saw the rise of Prague as a major cultural and economic center. The Přemyslids are remembered today as the founders of the Czech state and have a significant place in Czech national mythology.