Drahomíra

Bohemian ruler

Also known as: Dragomir

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

June 25, 2026

Quick Summary

Drahomíra was a Bohemian noblewoman who lived in the late 9th and early 10th centuries. She was the wife of the Czech prince Vratislav and the mother of Saint Wenceslas, the patron saint of Bohemia. Drahomíra is primarily known for her role in the conflict with her mother-in-law, Saint Ludmila.

Ludmila, a devout Christian, raised Wenceslas in the Christian faith. After Vratislav's death, Drahomíra became regent for her young son. She favored paganism and clashed with Ludmila, leading to Ludmila's murder in 921, which is traditionally attributed to Drahomíra's instigation. Drahomíra's reign was marked by political turmoil and religious conflict.1

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

2 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

St. Ludmila
…the opposing party, particularly with Drahomíra, who, as regent, favoured the pagans. An ensuing feud between Ludmila and Drahomíra ended when agents entered Tetin Castle and strangled Ludmila, a deed that has traditionally been ascribed to Drahomíra’s instigation.
Read More
…the opposing party, particularly with Drahomíra, who, as regent, favoured the pagans. An ensuing feud between Ludmila and Drahomíra ended when agents entered Tetin Castle and strangled Ludmila, a deed that has traditionally been ascribed to Drahomíra’s instigation.
Read More

Wenceslas I
Ludmila, but his ambitious mother, Drahomíra (Dragomir), a pagan, had her murdered and acted as regent until Wenceslas came of age in 924 or 925. His mother’s court intrigues and the wishes of the people to end the conflicts between Christian and non-Christian factions in Bohemia led Wenceslas to take…
Read More
Ludmila, but his ambitious mother, Drahomíra (Dragomir), a pagan, had her murdered and acted as regent until Wenceslas came of age in 924 or 925. His mother’s court intrigues and the wishes of the people to end the conflicts between Christian and non-Christian factions in Bohemia led Wenceslas to take…
Read More