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Konrad II OttoPrince of Bohemia (in 1182 and from 1189)
Date of Birth: 01.01.1136
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Content:
- Prince of Bohemia (1182 and from 1189)
- Rise to Power
- Margrave of Moravia
- Prince of Bohemia Again
- Legacy
- Evaluation
Prince of Bohemia (1182 and from 1189)
Conrad Otto, a member of the Přemyslid dynasty, became Prince of Bohemia in 1182 and again from 1189. He was the great-grandson of Conrad I and the son of Conrad II, Duke of Znojmo, and Maria, daughter of Stefan Nemanja, Grand Prince of Serbia.
Rise to Power
After his father's death in 1162, Conrad Otto assumed control of Znojmo and its surroundings as Conrad III. In 1173, he also seized Brno, gaining control over half of Moravia (excluding Olomouc). In 1178, Conrad supported Frederick in his struggle with Soběslav II. Together with Leopold V, Duke of Austria, Conrad helped Frederick overthrow Soběslav. However, Frederick's refusal to grant him Olomouc angered Conrad, leading him to plot revenge.
In 1182, a revolt by Bohemian princes against Frederick resulted in Conrad Otto's ascension to the throne of Prague. Frederick fled to Emperor Frederick Barbarossa, who summoned both princes to an imperial diet in Regensburg. Initially reluctant, Conrad and Frederick eventually attended, fearing the emperor's wrath. Barbarossa brokered a compromise, bestowing the title of Prince on Frederick and recognizing Conrad as Margrave of Moravia, independent of Prague. The new Margraviate of Moravia was placed directly under the emperor's authority.
Margrave of Moravia
Conrad's separation as Margrave of Moravia did not foster peace but rather intensified the conflict between Prague and Moravia. Frederick Barbarossa's decision paved the way for the fragmentation of the Bohemian state.
Frederick and Přemysl Otakar I sought to prevent Moravia's independence and invaded the regions of Brno and Znojmo. In 1185, the largest battle between the Czechs and Moravians occurred near Znojmo. Otakar was victorious, but his army suffered heavy losses. Conrad seized the opportunity to negotiate with Frederick. At a meeting in Knihnice, Conrad acknowledged Prague's suzerainty over Moravia, while Frederick recognized Conrad's authority in Moravia. Additionally, Conrad was named Frederick's heir to the Bohemian throne.
Prince of Bohemia Again
After Frederick's death in 1189, Conrad became Prince of both Bohemia and Moravia, unifying the two realms once more. With the emperor's consent, the title of Margrave of Moravia was abolished until 1192.
Conrad focused on maintaining peace with his relatives, allowing those who had fled the country during previous conflicts to return. However, he remained estranged from Otakar. Conrad sought to pass the throne to his son, but his marriage to Heilwig, daughter of Otto IV, Count Palatine of Bavaria, remained childless. In 1190, Conrad and his mother, Maria, founded a Premonstratensian monastery in Znojmo.
Conrad actively participated in imperial politics throughout his reign. In 1190, he attended the coronation of Henry VI, Frederick Barbarossa's successor, with a large Bohemian delegation. He accompanied the new emperor to Italy, where Conrad died of the plague in 1191.
Legacy
Conrad Otto's StatutesConrad Otto issued one of the earliest legal documents in Czech history, known as the Statutes of Conrad Otto. This document codified customary law, particularly in the area of criminal punishments.
Evaluation
Despite his brief reign, Conrad Otto is considered one of the most notable rulers of the Přemyslid dynasty in the 12th century. He is credited with preserving the unity of the Bohemian state, although some historians have criticized him for his ambition and treachery.
