The King Who Created Medieval Bohemia

The King Who Created Medieval Bohemia

August 31, 2026 · 51 min · Episode 557

About this episode

Dr. Eleanor Janega explores the tumultuous reign of Přemysl Otakar I in 12th-century Bohemia, highlighting his survival against familial and political betrayals.

In 12th-century Bohemia, every royal funeral sparked a civil war. Dr. Eleanor Janega discovers how Přemysl Otakar I survived backstabbing brothers, imperial betrayals, and a dodgy divorce to seize power. Find out how this 'spare' prince outmanoeuvred the Emperor to forge a powerful hereditary kingdom. MORE: Pope vs. Emperor: The Investiture Crisis Listen on Apple Listen on Spotify Matilda of Canossa, Tuscany Listen on Apple Listen on Spotify Czech Braveheart: Jan Žižka Listen on Apple Listen on Spotify Gone Medieval is presented by Dr Eleanor Janega. Edited by Amy Haddow, the producer is Rob Weinberg. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff. All music used is courtesy of Epidemic Sounds. Gone Medieval is a History Hit podcast History Hit is part of Little Dot Studios, a Certified B Corp™ Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week, including Eleanor and Matt's new documentary Medieval Summer. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Host: Dr. Eleanor Janega

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Organizations: History Hit, Little Dot Studios, Epidemic Sounds

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