In the High Middle Ages, the Czech lands underwent significant transformations in political structure, religious influence, and economic growth. Following the death of Duke Vladislav II in 1174, the Přemyslid dynasty faced internal disputes, and Holy Roman Emperor Frederick I (Barbarossa) leveraged this instability to designate Moravia and the Prague bishopric as separate entities, increasing imperial influence in the region. However, Ottokar I's rise to power in 1197 stabilized the Přemyslid rule. His negotiations with rival emperors Philip of Swabia and Otto IV, along with the Golden Bull of Sicily in 1212, secured Bohemia’s royal status, making its throne hereditary and enhancing the monarchy’s autonomy within the Holy Roman Empire.
The 13th century brought further consolidation of the Church in Bohemia. Ottokar I agreed to increased church land rights and ecclesiastical autonomy, though secular power remained dominant. By mid-century, Bohemia saw rapid urban and economic development, driven by the mining of silver near Jihlava and Kutná Hora. This mining boom led to the establishment of mining laws and attracted skilled German laborers, resulting in significant urbanization and German cultural influence.
Under Ottokar II, Bohemia expanded into Austria, Styria, and parts of Carinthia, marking the peak of Přemyslid power. However, after Ottokar II’s defeat and death in 1278 against Rudolf of Habsburg, Bohemia faced foreign interference and internal instability. His son Wenceslas II eventually restored stability, extending Bohemian influence over Poland and briefly over Hungary, supported by wealth from silver mining and coinage reforms.
Despite their power, the Přemyslid dynasty ended with the assassination of Wenceslas III in 1306. Bohemian nobles then invited John of Luxembourg to the throne, initiating a new era of foreign dynastic rule, which would lead to further territorial expansion and the strengthening of Bohemia’s position within the Holy Roman Empire under his son, Charles IV.