Jan Očko of Vlašim
Jan Očko of Vlašim was the second Archbishop of Prague from 1364 to 1378 and the first Bohemian to be named a Cardinal in 1378. He also served as the Bishop of Olomouc and an advisor to Charles IV, accompanying him on important journeys. His tenure saw the consecration of significant religious sites and a notable, albeit temporary, incarceration of Jan Milíč z Kroměříže.
Key Facts
- ›Second Archbishop of Prague (1364–1378).
- ›Bishop of Olomouc as of 1351.
- ›First Bohemian named a Cardinal (September 18, 1378).
- ›Advisor to Charles IV and accompanied him to Italy in 1355.
- ›Consecrated the Church of Saint Thomas in Brno (March 13, 1356) and the Emmaus monastery in Prague (March 29, 1372).
- ›Died on January 14, 1380.
- Became the First Bohemian Cardinal.
- Served As Regent of the Kingdom of Bohemia In 1368.
- Consecrated the Church of Saint Thomas In Brno.
- Consecrated the Emmaus Monastery In Prague.
About Jan Očko of Vlašim
Jan Očko of Vlašim, also known as Jan VIII as the Bishop of Olomouc, was a significant ecclesiastical figure in 14th-century Bohemia. He served as the second Archbishop of Prague from 1364 to 1378 and held the position of Bishop of Olomouc prior to his elevation to the Prague see. His life and career were closely intertwined with the reign of Emperor Charles IV, for whom he acted as an advisor and even accompanied on journeys, including a trip to Italy in 1355.
Early Life and Appointments
Born into the House of Vlašim, his father was Jan of Kamenice, who served as secretary to King John of Bohemia. Information about his early life and birth date is not available. He was the uncle of his successor, Jan of Jenštejn. As Bishop of Olomouc from at least 1351, Jan Očko's coat of arms featured two silver vulture heads on a red field, a symbol common to the Vlašim and Jenštejn families.
Archbishop of Prague and Cardinal
On July 12, 1364, Jan Očko became the Archbishop of Prague, succeeding Arnošt of Pardubice. During his tenure, he was appointed regent of the Kingdom of Bohemia in 1368. He played a role in the consecration of important religious sites, including the Church of Saint Thomas in Brno (March 13, 1356) and the Emmaus monastery in Prague (March 29, 1372). In 1366, he ordered the incarceration of Jan Milíč z Kroměříže for his critical sermons against Charles IV, though Milíč was later freed and remained in favor with the Emperor. A significant milestone in his career was his nomination by Pope Urban VI on September 18, 1378, making him the first Bohemian to be named a Cardinal. He relinquished his post as Archbishop on November 30, 1379, and died on January 14, 1380.
Legacy
Jan Očko of Vlašim left a mark as a prominent church leader and a figure connected to the imperial court. His elevation to Cardinal signifies his importance within the church hierarchy and his role in Bohemian ecclesiastical history. He also served as the bailor of the castle Kašperk.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Jan Očko of Vlašim?
Jan Očko of Vlašim was the second Archbishop of Prague, serving from 1364 to 1378. He was also the Bishop of Olomouc and later became the first Bohemian to be named a Cardinal.
What were Jan Očko of Vlašim's key roles?
He served as Archbishop of Prague and Bishop of Olomouc. He was also an advisor to Emperor Charles IV and was appointed a Cardinal by Pope Urban VI.
When did Jan Očko of Vlašim live and die?
His exact birth date is unknown, but he died on January 14, 1380. He served as Archbishop of Prague from 1364 to 1378.
What significant religious buildings did Jan Očko of Vlašim consecrate?
Jan Očko of Vlašim consecrated the Church of Saint Thomas in Brno on March 13, 1356, and the Emmaus monastery in Prague on March 29, 1372.
Was Jan Očko of Vlašim related to his successor?
Yes, Jan Očko of Vlašim was the uncle of his successor as Archbishop of Prague, Jan of Jenštejn.
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