Kosmas (1045–1125) Works Bibliography   de hu pl cz

Biography

Cosmas of Prague (c. 1045 – October 21, 1125) was a Bohemian priest, writer and historian born in a noble family in Bohemia. Between 1075 and 1081, he studied in Liège. After his return to Bohemia, he became a priest and married Božetěcha, with whom he probably had a son. In 1086 Cosmas was appointed prebendary (canonicus) of Prague, which was quite a prestigious position. As prebendary he also travelled through Europe in official matters.
His magnum opus written in Latin is called Chronica Boëmorum ("Chronicle of Bohemians"). Chronica is divided into 3 books:

First book, completed in 1119, starts with the creation of the world and ends in year 1038. It describes the foundation of Bohemian state by the oldest Bohemians around year 600 (Duke Bohemus, Duke Krok and his three daughters), Queen Libuše and foundation of Přemyslid dynasty by her marriage with Přemysl, old bloody wars, Duke Bořivoj and introduction of Christianity in Bohemia, Saint Wenceslaus and his grandmother Saint Ludmila, reign of three Boleslavs, life of Saint Adalbert and bloody wars after year 1000.

Second book describes Bohemian history of years 1038 - 1092. Book starts with heroical deeds of Duke Břetislav, known as "Bohemian Achilles", for example with his victory over Poland. Chronica also describes long and great reign of King Vratislav, who was a strong ruler but brave and good man. There is also a reflection on his wars in Italy; this second book ends with Vratislav's death.

Third book (1092 - 1125) starts with a description of time of instability and bloody civil wars after Vratislav's death between years 1092 and 1109. Chronica ends with reign of Vladislav between 1109 and 1125. In same year, 1125, Cosmas died.