Important Events, Dates, and People – Art and Architecture of Prague
Study Guide: Important Events, Dates, and People – Art and Architecture of Prague
I. Prehistoric and Early History
600,000 BC
Earliest prehistoric settlements (Lower Paleolithic)
29,000–25,000 BC
Venus of Dolní Věstonice, Moravia
The earliest known ceramic sculpture, significant for understanding prehistoric art.
600 BC
Celtic tribes name the area Boiohaema (meaning 'home of the Boii').
100 BC
Germanic tribes arrive, led by Maroboduus (30 BC–38 AD).
600 AD
Arrival of Slavic tribes, who are the ancestors of the Czechs.
880 AD
Duke Bořivoj I converts to Christianity and establishes early churches, marking a significant shift in religious practices in the region.
929/935 AD
Death of Saint Wenceslas, the patron saint of the Czech Republic, who is revered for his moral and spiritual leadership.
973 AD
Bishopric of Prague established, an important ecclesiastical development.
II. Přemyslid Dynasty (9th–13th Centuries)
Vratislav I (1085)
Recognized as the First King of Bohemia, crowned at Vyšehrad Castle, signifying the importance of this location in Czech history.
1212
Golden Bull of Sicily grants hereditary royal title, establishing a significant emblem for the dynasty, which is a double-tailed lion.
1306
Assassination of Wenceslas III leads to the end of the Přemyslid dynasty, a critical turning point in Czech history.
III. Luxembourg Dynasty and Charles IV (14th Century)
1310
John of Luxembourg becomes King of Bohemia, marking the start of Luxembourg's influence on Bohemian affairs.
1344
Foundation of the Archbishopric of Prague; commencement of construction of St. Vitus Cathedral, significant for its architectural and cultural heritage, involving architects Matthias of Arras and later, Peter Parler.
1346
Charles IV ascends as King of Bohemia, a leading figure during the later medieval period.
1348
Establishment of Charles University and the New Town by Charles IV, which becomes a center for education and culture in Central Europe.
1355
Charles IV becomes Holy Roman Emperor; Prague is designated as the capital of the Empire, enhancing its political significance.
1357
Start of the construction of Charles Bridge (Gothic architecture), a vital infrastructure project for the city.
IV. Religious Wars and Habsburg Period (15th–17th Centuries)
1415
Execution of Jan Hus as a heretic, who is recognized as a precursor to the Reformation; his teachings contributed to Protestant thought.
1419–1436
Hussite Wars, a series of conflicts sparked by the execution of Jan Hus and the call for church reforms.
1471
Vladislaus II Jagiellon is elected King of Bohemia, representing a major shift in leadership.
1526
Ferdinand I (Habsburg) becomes King of Bohemia, beginning Habsburg rule that lasts for centuries.
1541
A great fire destroys Lesser Town and parts of Prague Castle, impacting urban development.
1583
Emperor Rudolph II moves his court to Prague, sparking a Golden Age of science and art in the region.
1618
The Defenestration of Prague incites the Thirty Years’ War, a devastating conflict with profound implications for Europe.
1620
The Battle of White Mountain results in a major defeat for Protestant forces, shifting the balance of power in Bohemia.
1621
Execution of 27 Czech leaders in Old Town Square as a response to the insurgency, significant in the context of Habsburg oppression.
V. Enlightenment and Industrial Revolution (18th–19th Centuries)
1740–1748
War of Austrian Succession, altering the power dynamics in Europe and affecting Bohemian politics.
1743
Maria Theresa crowned Queen of Bohemia, initiating a period of reform and modernization.
1780
Emperor Joseph II begins Enlightenment reforms; significant achievements include the unification of Prague’s five towns in 1784, enhancing administrative efficiency.
1848
Democratic revolutions occur; the National Revival movement gains momentum, promoting Czech language and culture.
1890
Major flooding causes significant damage to Charles Bridge, impacting the architectural landmark.
VI. Modern Era – Czechoslovakia and the Czech Republic (20th–21st Centuries)
1918
Founding of independent Czechoslovakia; Tomáš G. Masaryk becomes the first president, a pivotal moment in Czech history.
1938
The Munich Agreement results in the loss of Sudetenland to Nazi Germany, highlighting the fragility of Czech sovereignty.
1939
Establishment of Nazi occupation; the Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia is created, leading to widespread oppression.
1942
Assassination of Reinhard Heydrich (Operation Anthropoid), a key event in the Czech resistance against the Nazis.
1945
Prague Uprising occurs, leading to liberation by the Red Army, ending the Nazi regime.
1948
Communist coup d'état leads to the beginning of socialist rule, significantly impacting Czech society.
1968
Prague Spring occurs, leading to a brief period of liberalization before suppression by the Warsaw Pact invasion.
1989
Velvet Revolution takes place; Václav Havel emerges as a leader and becomes the first president of the Czech Republic.
1993
Establishment of the Czech Republic as a separate entity, marking an end to Czechoslovakia.
VII. Important People Summary
Duke Bořivoj I
Recognized as the first Christian ruler of Bohemia; he founded the first churches at Prague Castle, pivotal in establishing Christianity in the region.
Saint Wenceslas
Duke of Bohemia and a Christian martyr; venerated as the national saint of the Czech Republic.
Saint Ludmila
Grandmother of Wenceslas and an early Christian martyr, important in the development of Christian heritage.
Vratislav I
Acknowledged as the first King of Bohemia (1085), crucial for the establishment of royal authority.
John of Luxembourg
King of Bohemia and the father of Charles IV, instrumental in the region's medieval history.
Charles IV
Considered the greatest Czech ruler; he founded Charles University, the New Town, and Charles Bridge, and became Holy Roman Emperor.
Peter Parler
Architect responsible for the design of St. Vitus Cathedral and Charles Bridge, a significant influence on Gothic architecture.
Matthias of Arras
The first architect to start the work on St. Vitus Cathedral, contributing to its design.
Master Theodoric
Court painter of Charles IV, known for decorating Karlštejn Castle, pivotal in the Czech art scene.
Jan Hus
A reformer executed in 1415; he inspired Protestantism and challenged the Catholic Church's practices.
George of Poděbrady
Hussite king and early advocate for European unity amid conflicts.
Vladislaus II
Jagiellon dynasty king of both Bohemia and Hungary, significant in the historical context.
Ferdinand I
The first Habsburg ruler of Bohemia, marking the Habsburg dynasty's influence.
Rudolph II
Patron of the arts who supported notable astronomers Tycho Brahe and Johannes Kepler, fostering a rich scientific culture.
Tycho Brahe
An astronomer who worked in Prague under Rudolph II, known for his astronomical observations.
Johannes Kepler
Astronomer known for formulating the laws of planetary motion while based in Prague.
Maria Theresa
Queen of Bohemia who instituted educational reforms and shaped modern governance.
Joseph II
Enlightened emperor known for his extensive reforms; notably united Prague's towns to streamline administration.
Tomáš G. Masaryk
The first President of Czechoslovakia; a key figure in the formation of an independent state.
Edvard Beneš
The second president who signed the Munich Agreement, which ceded parts of Czechoslovakia.
Jan Masaryk
Foreign Minister during the WWII period; he died during the communist coup, reflecting political turmoil.
Reinhard Heydrich
Nazi governor assassinated in 1942 during the resistance efforts against German repression.
Václav Havel
Leader during the Velvet Revolution; he became the first President of the Czech Republic, symbolizing democratic renewal.