POLITICAL CONFRONTATION OF ELISHKA PRSHEMYSLOVNA WITH CZECH NOBILITY: THE JOHN OF LUXEMBOURG’S POSITION

Abstract

After the death of Wenceslaus III (1306), the last descendant of the Přemyslid dynasty, wrangling for the Czech throne lasted till 1310. Czech nobility, being the spine of Czech sovereignty’s idea, was looking for a candidate for the crown of Saint Wenceslaus I. Eventually, John of Luxembourg (ruled from 1310 to 1346), son of the Holy Roman Emperor Henry VII, became the Czech (Bohemian) king provided that he would get married with Elishka Prshemyslovna (born in 1292, died in 1330), the daughter of Wenceslaus II, and that he would aknowledge all the privileges of Czech nobility. It was a good choice. After all, under the rule of foreign king, the nobles have become a de facto government fot the country, despite any efforts of Elishka Prshemyslovna to defend and strengthen the royalty. The purpose is to investigate the cirmcumstances under which the Czech nobility has achieved the ratification of Domazlice treaty through the story of life and political activity of Elishka Prshemyslovna. The article covers political activity of Elishka Prshemyslovna аnd the circumstances under which she has been trying to defend and strengthen the royal power against the Czech nobility. Political relationship of Czech queen and Czech nobility has undergone two stages. During 1310-1313 Elishka Prshemyslovna collaborated with a group of Czech aristocrats who sought to overthrow the reigning king Henry of Carinthia. This collaboration has led to coup d'etat and Elishka Prshemyslovna marriage with the new dynasty’s founder - John of Luxembourg. The second stage (1313-1322) features intense rivalry for the power between Queen and an influentional magnate Henry Lipsky. Elishka Premyslovna has tried to actively participate in government of her state. Obsessed with the will to observe tradition of her father and to preserve the royalty from the encroachment of Czech noblemen has only led to political unstability in Czech kingdom. After all, the Czech kingdom was experiencing a new phase of inner transformation. Furthermore, John of Luxembourg has played an important role in that conflict. The king’s position dictated how the race for power would affect the state’s ability to successfully implement international politics. Whereas such a long opposition of his own subjects didn’t suit John of Luxembourg, he has signed the Domazlice treaty. Ratification of Domazlice conventions has obliged the king to give up the support of his wife’s political course; the queen has lost, while Czech noblemen, led by Henry Lipsky have increased their influence on the kingdom.