St. George’s Basilica, the second church built in the Prague Castle was adopted by Benedictine nuns. Because of their involvement and the location of the basilica, it provided the citizens of Prague a place to socialize and politically organize. The existence of this convent provided girls and women to participate in the religious and educational landscape of Bohemia.
Czechs and Coffee
Although Prague is known for its beer, another important stable of Czech culture includes coffee and coffeehouses. Coffeehouses provided a place for the poor, men, and particularly women to congregate, discuss, organize, and entertain. Although the use of coffeehouses by women was mired in controversy due to brothels attached to some of them, coffeehouses still provided a place for women to discuss societal emancipation. The Café Louvre is one such coffeehouse that has served as a bedrock for many historical figures to organize and entertain and continues to do so to this day.
Czech Dogs and their History
The Czech Republic is home to seven different dog breeds with a storied history. The Bohemian Shepherd, for example, is the oldest breed, developed to guard the Kingdom of Bohemia. Most of these breeds were developed for rescue missions and hunting, either with a human companion or on their own. These Czech dog breeds have shaped the nation and continue to provide companionship and support to this day.
The Hussite Reformation: Life of Jan Hus and the Church
In 1414, a Czech theologian named Jan Hus was called before the Council of Constance for heresy against the Catholic Church and Pope. Jan Hus had preached about the need to reform the corruption within the Church, desiring to adhere more to a more communal Christianity that he believed the New Testament spoke of, and for that he had been excommunicated numerous times. His life up to this point set the groundwork for the eventual history of the Catholic Church and the Holy Roman Empire to change forever.
The Origin of the Bohemian Name
Before the Czechs were Czech, they were Bohemian, beginning with Roman-named Celtic “Boii” people. The Germans called the land “Böhmen” while the Romans called it “Boiohaemum,” meaning the history of the Boii continued to influence the land long past their existence there, even by the time the Czechs began living there. Translated to English, these names became “Bohemia,” where “Bohemians” lived, before they were finally known as Czechoslovakians, then as Czechs and Slovakians in their respective nations.
A History of Czech Feminism
The once egalitarian, agrarian society of Bohemia became ruled by the Hapsburg Dynasty, causing a regression in women’s rights until Christianity helped improve their lives. The National Revival brought the creation of Czechoslovakia and greater rights for women. When communism came, rights improved in some ways and did not in others. The change to a capitalistic democracy brought further changes.
Czech National Revival
A response to increased Germanization, the Czech National Revival revived Czech literature, language, history, and politics. Increased nationalism marked this period of cultural revival. The movement started before the 19th century with Czech intellectuals such as Josef Jungman and Josef Dobrovský becoming more discontent with the decrease in Czech culture, language, and national identity. Czech national identity also involved realism, rejecting the romanticism of the past, which was considered “anti-nationalist.” With the end of the Great War, the goals of the National Revival movement were successfully met.
The Bohemian Revolt: Defenestration and War
The decision in establishing an emperor’s successor would lead to a conflict that would spark the Thirty Years’ War. The Bohemian revolt initially started off in favor of the Bohemians, but it damaged diplomacy. Victory in this conflict for either side would hinge on the battle that would take place at White Mountain.
Czech Cubism (Cubo-Expressionism)
The term Cubo-Expressionism was coined in the early 1970s to describe Czech avant-garde art in the 20th century, when elements of Cubism and Expressionism were combined. It was a revolt from earlier art forms with spiritual elements. Czech Cubism, as Cubo-Expressionism is also called, was applied to just more than art pieces, including furniture, objects, architecture, etc. One of the most famous Cubo-Expressionists is Pavel Janák, a Czech architect, designer, planner, professor, and theoretician.
Charles IV: King of Bohemia and the "Romans"
Charles IV’s efforts helped to elevate the city of Prague to new heights, establishing it as the intellectual and cultural center of Central Europe. Yet, his reign was marked by political disagreements and failures to centralize the government. One major, yet brief, threat to Charles IV’s authority came from Louis IV, the excommunicated emperor Charles IV replaced. Another major aspect of Charles IV’s authority was the elevation of Prague as a major player on the world stage for centuries to come.
Czech Beer : A Brief History
From the Brevnov Monastery to the modern-day Pilsner, the Czech people have been enjoying beer for over a thousand years. Known as the beer of tradition, Czech beer is ingrained into history itself. When beermaking was banned. the Brenov Monastery, as the first-ever Bohemian brewery, was exempt. Initially, after the ban on brewing ended, only noble families or homeowners were allowed to brew beer. It was in 1842 that the famous Pilsner was created.
Frantiska Plaminkova
Františka Plamínková, founder of the National Council of Women, was a trailblazer in feminism and women's rights. Her fight for women's suffrage and self-personhood was a long one, beginning in 1903 with the Czech Women's Club. Sadly, she was one of many executed by the Nazis in retaliation to Reinhard Heydrich's assassination. Milada Horakova continued Plamínková's work.
Beginnings of Bohemia: Borivoj I and the Premyslids
Bohemia's beginnings started with Svatopluk I of Great Moravia giving Borivoj I control of the of the soon-to-be Bohemian lands. Even early in his career as the first duke, his kingdom faced war as he supported Svatopluk I during his war against Louie the German and the Eastern Franks. Also early in his career, he faced controversy from fellow elites and had to involve himself in more war to maintain his power and position. Beginnings aren't easy!
An Army with No Country: The Czechoslovak Legion in Europe
They were men without their own country, living split up among not one, but two mighty empires. When the Great War came and those empires began to crumble, those men took up arms in the struggle, and fought so that one day they too would have their own nation. These were the men of the Czechoslovak Legions.
Pilgrimage Church of St. John of Nepomuk
Five Czech Towns to Visit
With twelve UNESCO World Heritage Sites, four awe-inspiring national parks, and literally thousands of castles, there is much to see in the Czech Republic beyond the beautiful city of Prague. Today, we’ve compiled a short list of five towns that definitely warrant the trip next time you visit the country.
Prophecies of Libuše
This ancient Bohemian legend dates back to the 8th century and tells the story of an oracle who foretold the coming of a golden city. Libuše, and her prophecies, were both a warning and blessing to her people. Ultimately, her prophetic visions would cause a chain reaction that would end her rule and usher in the Přemyslid Dynasty.
Czech and American Carols
Kafkaesque: an Author’s Legacy in One Word
It would be difficult to find a more suitable word to characterize modern people’s cosmic predicament than “Kafkaesque”. The etymology of the word isn’t hard to decipher, which is untrue of the worlds created by the man immortalized by the adjective. Like many great artists, Kafka’s work was largely undiscovered until after his death.