Czech lands

The Czech lands is a name used to talk about three old areas called Bohemia, Moravia, and Czech Silesia. These places came together to make up Czechoslovakia, and later became the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Since 1919, these three areas have been known as the Czech part of Czechoslovakia, and since 1993, they have been part of the Czech Republic.

Historically, the term "Czech lands" was used for any area ruled by the Kings of Bohemia. This goes back to when Emperor Charles IV set up what was called the lands of the Bohemian Crown in the 1300s. At that time, it included places like the Lusatias and all of Silesia, all ruled from Prague Castle. The Czech lands have a rich history with old symbols and buildings, like the coat of arms of Bohemia and Moravia, shown in a 13th-century painting from a castle in Krems.

Alternative names

Main article: Name of the Czech Republic

The term Czech lands has been used in many ways. In Czech, Bohemia is called Čechy, and český can mean "Bohemian" or "Czech". Today, the Czech lands include Bohemia, Moravia, and Czech Silesia, and their official name is Česko. This name has been used since 1704, but it used to only mean Bohemia.

During the First and Second Czechoslovak Republics, the Czech lands were sometimes called Historical lands, especially when spoken about with Slovakia, which was not part of the Kingdom of Hungary.

History

Main article: History of the Czech lands

Long ago, people called the Celts lived in the land now known as the Czech Republic. Later, groups like the Marcomanni and Quadi also lived there. In the 6th century, new people called Western Slavs arrived.

Over time, leaders called the Přemyslid dynasty formed a place called the Duchy of Bohemia. They got help from kings of East Francia and grew their land to include nearby Moravia. In 1198, a leader named Ottokar I became a king. He added more lands to his kingdom. Later, other leaders brought in people from Germany to live in some areas.

The lands to the north, called Silesia, were once ruled by Polish leaders. But over time, they came under the control of the Bohemian kings. One important king, Charles IV, kept these lands connected to Bohemia. Later, these lands became part of a bigger group ruled by the Habsburgs. In the 1700s, some of Silesia was lost to Prussia in a war.

Coats of arms

Main article: Coat of arms of the Czech Republic

The coat of arms of the Czech Republic shows symbols from three important lands: Bohemia, Moravia, and Czech Silesia. Bohemia's symbol comes from the old Kingdom of Bohemia. Moravia's symbol comes from the Moravian margraviate. Czech Silesia's symbol was used for the region of Silesia, most of which is now part of Poland.

Bohemia, also used as the Lesser coat of arms of the modern Czech Republic

Moravia

[Silesia](/wiki/Coat_of_arms_of_Silesia)

Greater coat of arms of the present-day Czech Republic