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- Borivoj I (c. 852-c. 889) was first historically documented Duke of Bohemia (870-889); founder of Premyslid dynasty. As the head of the Premyslids, which dominated the environs of present-day Prague, Borivoj in circa 870 declared himself "kni?e" (later translated by German scholars as "duke") of the Bohemians (Czechs). 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 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. Their efforts to convert Bohemia to Christianity were initially not well received, and they were driven from their country for a time by the pagans. In the years 883-884 Borivoj was deposed by a revolt in support of his kinsman Strojm?r, 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 the Bohemians called Hostiv?t.
Ludmila (c.860 - September 15, 921) is a saint and martyr venerated by the Orthodox and the Roman Catholics. She was born in Meln?k as daughter of Slavic prince Slavibor. Ludmila was the grandmother of Saint Wenceslaus, who is widely referred to as Good King Wenceslaus.
The couple was succeeded by their son Spytihnev, who ruled for two years before he died. Spytihnev was succeeded by his brother Vratislav. When Vratislav died in 921, his eight year old son Wenceslas became the next ruler of Bohemia. It was mainly Ludmila who raised her grandson. Drahomira became jealous of Ludmila's influence over Wenceslaus. She had two noblemen murder Ludmila at Tetin, the story says that she was strangled with her veil. Initially Ludmila was buried at St. Michael's at Tetin; sometime before the year 1100 her remains were removed to the church of St. George at Prague, Czech Republic.
Ludmila is venerated as a patroness of Bohemia. Her feast day is celebrated on September 16. She is considered to be a patron saint of Bohemia, converts, Czech Republic, duchesses, problems with in-laws, and widows. She was canonized shortly after her death.
This database researched and compiled by Norman Lee Madsen, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, 21 July 2015.
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852 - 889 (~ 37 år)
