An Imaginary Foundation of the Town

According to the 17th-century chronicler Hoesemann, whose many inventions entered folk legend, a Roman commander founded the town and built four pagan temples here. Named Luka after him, it was later invaded by Huns, who were defeated on the present town site. General Bruno of Ascania was wounded in the battle and covered in blood. Seeking to wash in a nearby pond, he found treasures the enemy had thrown in. The emperor used the discovery to build a new settlement on ruined Luka, naming it Opava. The first historical mention of Opava dates only from 1195. One of the oldest urban settlements was established here. The Duchy of Opava developed from the Holasici tribal union and was ruled by a collateral Přemyslid line. Early in the 15th century, Přemek, descended from Přemysl Otakar II’s illegitimate son, built a castle here.