Page 25 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Prague

THE HIST OR Y OF PR A GUE  23

Princess Libuše
Sword and Helmet
St Wenceslas was buried in the The legendary founder of the
southern apse of the rotunda of Přemyslids was Princess Libuše,
St Vitus. His sword and helmet were head of a West Slavic tribe. She
preserved as relics and today form took notice of the discord among
part of the Cathedral’s treasure. her clansmen, and succeeded her
father to become the first woman
ruler. Choosing a humble plough­
man (Přemysl-Oráč) as consort
and ruler, she began a dynasty
that was to last 400 years.

Wenceslas seeks
sanctuary.

Ploughman Přemysl and Princess Libuše
founded a long-lasting dynasty

A monk closes the door
against Wenceslas.

Rotunda of St Vitus
Founded by Wenceslas in the early
10th century, the rotunda became a
place of pilgrimage after the saint’s
death in 935. It stood where St
Wenceslas Chapel is today.

Roman-arched
windows

Assassination of Prince Wenceslas
In 935, the young Wenceslas was murdered on
the orders of his brother, Boleslav. This manuscript
illustration of 1006 shows the moment when the
assassins caught up with the prince as he was
about to enter the church for the morning mass.
Curving stone walls
800 Early Christian breast cross 921 Wenceslas becomes
Dynasty of Prince of Bohemia 993 Bishop Adalbert Vojtèch
Přemyslids founds monastery at Břevnov
founded 870 Prague
Castle founded
800 900 1000

935 Wenceslas dies
863 St Cyril and St Methodius Bishop Adalbert’s
bring Christianity to 920 Founding of St George’s bejewelled glove
Great Moravia Basilica at Prague Castle

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