Dates: 860 - September 15, 921
Occupation: Duchess of Bohemia, saint
Known for: instituting Christianity in Bohemia, educating and supporting the Christian Duke, Wenceslaus
Also Known as: Ludmila
Family:
- Father: Slavibor, Prince of Psov(?)
- Mother: unknown
- Husband: Borivoj (Boriwoi), Duke of Bohemia
- Children:
- Spytihnev (Spitignev)
- Vratislav (Wratislaw, Radislav) I, Duke of Bohemia; married Drahomira
- Grandchildren:
- Boreslav (Boleslaw, Boleslaus) I the Cruel
- Saint Wenceslaus (Wenceslas, Vyacheslav) I, Duke of Bohemia
- Strezislava of Bohemia (?)
About Saint Ludmilla:
Ludmilla was married to Borivoj, who was the first Christian Duke of Bohemia. Ludmilla and Borivoj were baptized about 871. Conflict over religion drove them from their country, but they were soon recalled and ruled together for seven years more.
Ludmilla and Borivoj then resigned and turned over rule to their son Spytihnev, who died two years later. Another son Vratislav then succeeded. Married to Drahomira, a nominal Christian, he left his eight-year-old son Wenceslaus to rule. Wenceslaus had been raised and educated by Ludmilla. Another son (perhaps a twin) Boreslav "the Cruel" was raised and educated by his father and mother.
Ludmilla continued to influence her grandson, Wenceslaus. Reportedly, pagan nobles stirred up Drahomira against Ludmilla, resulting in the murder of Ludmilla, with Drahomira's participation. Stories say she was strangled by her veil by noblemen at Drahomira's instigation.
Ludmilla is venerated as a patron saint of Bohemia. Her feast day is September 16.
