Duke Borivoj of Bohemia I

  General Notes:

the first historically documented Duke of Bohemia (870\endash 889) and founder of Premyslid dynasty.

As the head of the Premyslids who dominated the environs of present-day Prague, around 870 Borivoj declared himself kníže - in latin dux, which means sovereign prince. His title was later translated by German scholars as "duke" of the Bohemians (Czechs). Although the German dukes have had the same title, his title was in fact completely different. The Czech dux was contrary to them a sovereign ruler. Borivoj was recognised as such by his overlord Svatopluk I of Great Moravia around 872 who dispatched Bishop Methodius to begin the conversion of the Bohemian Slavs to Christianity. Borivoj and his wife Saint Ludmila were baptised by Methodius (probably in 883) and the latter became an enthusiastic evangelist, although the religion failed to take root among Borivoj's subjects.

In the years 883/884 Borivoj was deposed by a revolt in support of his kinsman Strojmír, and restored in 885 only from the will of his suzerain Svatopluk of Moravia. When Borivoj had died 4 years later Svatopluk took over the rule over Bohemia by himself.

As with most of the early Bohemian rulers, Borivoj is a shadowy figure and exact dates and facts for his reign can never be considered as completely reliable, although several major fortifications and religious foundations are said to have dated from this time. In old Czech legends he is said to be son of a prince of Bohemians called Hostivít.

Borivoj married Saint Ludmila of Bohemia. (Saint Ludmila of Bohemia was born circa 860 and died on 15 Sep 921.)