Spytihnev I - Definition and Overview

Spytihněv I (? - 915), Duke of Bohemia (894/895 - 915), was the eldest son of Borivoj I.

Spytihnev is known solely for his 895 alliance with Arnulf, Duke of Bavaria, (Diet of Augsburg)separating Bohemia from Great Moravia. Designed to protect Bohemia against the ravages of Magyar raiders, this pact also opened Bohemia to East Frankish Carolingian culture and paved the way for the eventual triumph of Roman Catholicism in Czech spiritual affairs.