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Ottokar II of Bohemia had built the largest kingdom in Central Europe over thirt
1278 Event

August 26

Battle of Durnkrut: Rudolf of Habsburg Defeats Ottokar of Bohemia

Ottokar II of Bohemia had built the largest kingdom in Central Europe over thirty years of war, diplomacy, and inheritance. He controlled Bohemia, Austria, Styria, Carinthia, and Carniola. Then Rudolf I of Germany and Ladislaus IV of Hungary came at him together at Marchfield in 1278, and within hours it was over. Ottokar died on the battlefield. His empire was dismantled. The Habsburgs picked up most of the pieces, starting an Austrian dynasty that would last another six centuries.

August 26, 1278

748 years ago

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