Prague and the big invasions

The region of Prague is inhabited since the Paleolithic Age : first by the Celtic tribe known as the Boii in 200, then by the Germanic tribe Marcomanni which will be evicted by the Avars. The Avars will migrate to the west because of the Slavs invasion during the 7th century.

Prague, capital of Bohemia

The legend says the town was founded by the princess Libuše and her husband Přemysl, also founders of the Přemyslides dinasty. A presence is confirmed since the 9th century. Located in the centre of Bohemia plains, at the crossing of all the trade roads which go through Europe, Prague develops to become the capital of the Přemyslides dukedom. The town becomes a bishopric in 973.

Otakar II founds Malá Strana in 1257 which houses the German community which rules itself following the Magdeburg rights. On the other bank of the Vlatva, the Old Town of Prague develops around its historic core Týn and is inhabited by Czech people and a Jewish community in the quarter which will become Josefov during the 18th century.