Czech history spans more than 1200 years — from Slavic tribes, Great Moravia, the Czech Kingdom, through the Habsburgs, Czechoslovakia, to the modern Czech Republic.
Slavic origins and Great Moravia (6th–10th c.)
Slavic tribes settled the Czech lands in the 6th century. In the 9th c. Great Moravia arose — the first Slavic state in Central Europe. In 863 Constantine and Methodius came at the invitation of Prince Rastislav — created Glagolitic script, translated the Bible into Old Church Slavonic.
Přemyslids (10th–14th c.)
In 935 Prince Wenceslas was murdered — today Saint Wenceslas, patron of the Czech land. The Přemyslids ruled for 400 years. Ottokar II (1253–1278) — "iron and golden king" — expanded the kingdom from Šumava to the Adriatic.
Luxembourgs and Charles IV (1310–1437)
In 1310 John of Luxembourg took the throne. His son Charles IV (1346–1378) was the greatest Czech king and Holy Roman Emperor — founded Charles University (1348, first in Central Europe), built Charles Bridge, Karlštejn, St. Vitus Cathedral. "Father of the homeland".
Hussite Wars (1419–1436)
In 1415 Jan Hus was burned at Constance — Czech reformer preceding Luther by 100 years. Hussite Wars ended in defeat at the Treaty of Iglau 1436 — but Czechs retained freedom of confession.
Habsburgs (1526–1918)
In 1526 the Habsburgs took the throne — 392 years of foreign dynasty. White Mountain 1620: catastrophic defeat of Czech estates — beginning of 300 years of Germanization and re-Catholicization. In the 19th c. national revival — Palacký, Smetana, Dvořák.
Czechoslovakia (1918–1992)
On October 28, 1918 Czechoslovakia was born — T. G. Masaryk first president. Munich 1938 — Czechs abandoned by Western allies. Nazi occupation 1939–1945. Communist coup 1948. Prague Spring 1968 — Soviet invasion. Velvet Revolution 1989. Separation from Slovakia 1993.
Modern Czechia
Czechia joined NATO in 1999, EU in 2004. 10.5 million inhabitants. Prague — one of Europe's most beautiful cities, UNESCO. Economically strong — automotive industry (Škoda), breweries, glassmaking. Václav Havel — from dissident to first president.