testaments in premyslid bohemia Since an oral declaration in the presence of witnesses was sufficient and required no written confirmation in the legal environment of the Czech lands under the Přemyslid rulers, written reports or references from this time are only rarely preserved. This, however, does not apply to the oldest reference documented in official sources. The division of the dowry of Princess Euphemia, the wife of Prince Otto of Olomouc (included in the foundation privilege of the Hradisko Monastery near Olomouc in 1078), is an indication of a testament, or rather a donation upon death.11 Any son of hers, if she were to have one, together with her daughter Bohuslava would share one half of the princess’s dowry, while the other half was to be donated to the Church of Saint Stephen in Hradisko. However, if there were no son and her daughter got married, all of the possessions would go to a newly established monastery. Other known testaments relate to Bohemian, and later also Moravian, grandees. The last will made by Magnate Nemoj, amember of the prominent Vršovec family, in the first years of the 12th century,12 has all the requirements of a last will. The document that is preserved in the insert of the confirmation charter of SoběslavII, Duke of Bohemia (r. 1173–1178),13 is formulated subjectively. The verbal invocation is followed by a notification and disposition, in which Nemoj, “in full health”, states that “while pondering the future life”, he bequeaths all his property, consisting of five villages with all of the servants, to his wife, if she remains a widow. The donation took place in the presence of Duke Bořivoj, Bishop Heřman, the magnates Blaha, Mutina, and Božej (Nemoj’s relatives), and the canons of Vyšehrad Church, the second most important church in Bohemia. If his wife married or died, the estates would devolve upon the Vyšehrad Chapter for the salvation of the testator’s soul (pro anima mea). The provision was certified by the duke and the bishop, who further added anathema. Nemoj was in charge of all of his property (omnemsubstantiam meam), and the last will was to become effective upon his death. 304 11 Friedrich 1904–1907, no. 79, p. 85. Cf. Štachová 2012, p. 248. 12 Friedrich 1904–1907, no. 100, pp. 105–106. Cf. Štachová 2012, p. 248. 13 Friedrich 1904–1907, no. 288, pp. 253–254.
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