Bretislav II facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Bretislav II
Duke of Bohemia
Reign	September 1092 – 22 December 1100
Predecessor	Conrad I
Successor	Bořivoj II
Born	c. 1060
Died	22 December 1100 (aged c. 40)
Spouse	Luitgard of Windberg
Issue	Bretislaus
Dynasty	Přemyslid
Father	Vratislaus II
Mother	Adelaide

Bretislav II (born around 1060, died December 22, 1100) was an important ruler in the history of Bohemia. He served as the duke of Bohemia from September 14, 1092, until his death. He was the oldest son of King Vratislaus II and Adelaide. Bretislav II was known for wanting to change old traditions and support Christianity in his lands.

Becoming Duke of Bohemia

Bretislav II became duke after his uncle, Conrad I, passed away. He took over the leadership of Bohemia in 1092. One of his main goals was to bring new ideas to the region. He wanted to replace some older Slavic customs with Christian ones. For example, in 1097, he removed the Slavic monks from a monastery in Sazava. This monastery had been founded many years before by a man named Procopius.

Changing the Rules for Rulers

Bretislav II also wanted to change how new dukes were chosen. Before him, the next ruler was often elected. Bretislav wanted to make it so that the oldest prince in the ruling family would always become the duke. This system was called "seniorate."

This change would mean that the oldest family member would rule all of Bohemia. Younger princes would then rule smaller areas like Moravia. Bretislav thought this would make the country stronger. He especially wanted his half-brother, Bořivoj II, to be the next duke.

In 1097, Bretislav made Bořivoj the duke of Brno. This move helped to ensure Bořivoj's place in the line of succession. It also meant that the sons of Conrad I, his uncle, would not be able to become duke.

Gaining Imperial Support

Bretislav II also worked hard to get support from the Holy Roman Emperor. He wanted the Emperor to officially recognize him as the rightful duke. This recognition was very important for his power. On April 19, 1099, he finally received this official approval. This happened at a big meeting called the Diet of Regensburg.

His Death

Sadly, Bretislav II's rule ended suddenly. He was attacked by his enemies at a hunting lodge. This happened in a place called Zbecno in western Bohemia. Bretislav II died on December 22, 1100, when he was about 40 years old.

Family Life

In 1094, Bretislav II married a woman named Luitgard of Windberg. They had one son together, also named Bretislav. This son later tried to rebel against another duke, Soběslav I. Sadly, Bretislav's son was killed on March 8, 1130.