Vladislaus III, Duke of Bohemia facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Vladislaus III
Seal of Margrave Vladislaus Henry
Duke of Bohemia
Reign	22 June – 6 December 1197
Predecessor	Bretislaus III
Successor	Ottokar I
Born	c. 1160
Died	12 August 1222(1222-08-12) (aged 61–62) Znojmo, Moravia
Burial	Velehrad Abbey
Spouse	Heilwida
Dynasty	Přemyslid
Father	Vladislaus II, Duke of Bohemia
Mother	Judith of Thuringia
Religion	Roman Catholicism

Vladislaus Henry (also known as Vladislav Jindřich) was an important ruler from the Přemyslid dynasty. He was born around 1160 and passed away on August 12, 1222.

Vladislaus Henry was chosen to be the Duke of Bohemia in 1197. He was also the Margrave of Moravia from 1197 until his death. He only ruled as Duke for a short time in 1197. He was actually the last ruler of Bohemia to hold the title of Duke. His older brother, Ottokar I, later became King of Bohemia. This made Bohemia a kingdom starting in 1198.

Early Life and Family

Vladislaus Henry was the second son of Duke Vladislaus II. His mother was Judith of Thuringia. This made him the younger brother of Ottokar I.

He grew up during a time when his family, the Přemyslid dynasty, faced many challenges. His father had a complicated relationship with the emperor, Frederick Barbarossa.

Supporting His Brother

In the late 1100s, there were many struggles within the Přemyslid family. Vladislaus Henry supported his older brother Ottokar. Ottokar took control of the Bohemian duchy in 1192.

In return, Ottokar made Vladislaus the Prince of Brno and Znojmo. He also became the Margrave of Moravia. This was approved by Emperor Henry VI. However, they did not pay a sum of money that was asked for. Because of this, they were removed from power in June 1193. This decision was made by the Imperial Diet (a big meeting of leaders) at Worms. Their cousin, Henry Bretislaus, who was the bishop of Prague, was then made duke.

Vladislaus was called to Prague Castle. He had to stay there for the next few years. Duke Bretislaus watched him closely during this time.

Becoming a Ruler

After Emperor Henry VI and Duke Bretislaus died in 1197, Vladislaus was set free. He was chosen as Duke on June 22, 1197. His brother Ottokar was there when this happened.

However, people started to support Ottokar instead. So, Vladislaus gave up his title as Duke a few months later, on December 6. The brothers almost went to war. But their armies met, and they talked things over.

A New Agreement

They decided that Ottokar would become the ruler of Bohemia. Vladislaus would get the title of margrave of Moravia. This title would be passed down in his family. Moravia would also be almost independent.

By giving up the throne, Vladislaus helped end the long and destructive family wars. These wars had lasted for over 25 years after his father's death. In 1212, his status as a Prince of the Holy Roman Empire was officially recognized. This happened with the Golden Bull of Sicily.

Ruling Moravia

Vladislaus ruled Moravia for 25 years until he died. He worked closely with his brother Ottokar. He made his rule stronger in Moravia. For example, he had his rival, Prince Spytihněv III of Brno, removed from power. He also made his own religious advisor, Daniel Milík, the Bishop of Prague. This was the first time a ruler in Bohemia had chosen a bishop.

Daniel played a key role in helping Vladislaus and Ottokar get along. Even though there were some protests, Daniel remained bishop until 1214.

In 1205, Vladislaus started the Cistercian abbey of Velehrad. This was a special monastery for his family. It also became the burial place for the margraves of Moravia.

Family and Death

Vladislaus was married to a woman named Heilwida (also known as Hedwig). We don't know much about where she came from. Vladislaus did not have any children.

He passed away at his court in Znojmo. After his death, the margraviate of Moravia went back to King Ottokar I. Ottokar then gave it to his younger son, Vladislaus II. Vladislaus Henry was buried at Velehrad Abbey.