The medieval Czech ruler of the duchy of Bohemia, Wenceslas (ca. 903-935) is best known to the English-speaking world as the pious and kind leader immortalized in the English Christmas carol "Good King Wenceslas." He is one of the Slavic peoples' fabled early Christian rulers, and remains the patron saint of Bohemia.

Wenceslas was barely out of his teens when he ruled Bohemia and fought bitter opposition from within his own family because of his pro-Christian policies. He was murdered by his brother on September 28, 935, now the day on which the Roman Catholic Church celebrates his feast day. The memory of Wenceslas has been immortalized in modern times by his famous statue, which stands in the heart of Prague. It has become a historic rallying spot for citizens protesting a foreign presence in their land.

First Christian Kings

Wencelsas (also known as Wenceslaus, Vaclav, Vaceslav, and, in German...