Historica Olomucensia, Journal for Central European History is a scholarly peer-reviewed journal published by the Department of History, Faculty of Arts, Palacký University Olomouc since 2009 (previously with the subtitle The Collection of History Works). It follows the former series Acta Universitatis Palackianae Olomucensis. Facultas philosophica. Historica (1960–2008). Since 2009, the journal has been on the list of peer-reviewed, non- impacted journals published in the Czech Republic. Since 2015, it has been included in the prestigious European database of scientific journals ERIH PLUS. The journal is published twice a year; since 2023, one issue is in English and the second one in Czech.
The journal Historica Olomucensia traditionally focuses particularly on the history of Central Europe from Antiquity to the present. Nevertheless, papers covering other geographical areas are also accepted. The aim of the journal is to offer a wide range of topics related to social, religious, cultural, economic and political history in the interdisciplinary context. In this respect, emphasis is placed on the reflection of current topics as well as the most recent research trends within Czech and world historiography. The journal accepts submissions in both Czech and English and is open to all academics, including students. All submissions are subject to an anonymous peer-review process. Book reviews, conference reports and other kinds of academic-related matters are also welcome.
Historica Olomucensia 1 (2025), 1-4
Historica Olomucensia 1 (2025), 5-20 | DOI: 10.5507/ho.2025.015
This study explores the historical significance of Elizabeth Stuart’s court in Prague, drawing on a diverse range of primary sources, varying from letters to published booklets. Despite its short duration, Elizabeth’s court served as a unique example of early modern royal households, as it consisted of three distinct language and cultural groups. This mixture led to certain surprises and conflicts either within the court itself or between the court and the outside world. Conflicting contemporary accounts further underscore the ambiguity of the court’s legacy. These reports range from celebratory depictions of festive ceremonies and...
Historica Olomucensia 1 (2025), 21-42 | DOI: 10.5507/ho.2025.013
Cross-cultural encounters were a hallmark of princely weddings in royal courts. The new royal consort was expected to uphold her family’s interests while simultaneously aligning herself with her husband’s policies. Despite their prominent diplomatic roles, princesses often faced significant challenges in asserting their authority within the intricate web of court politics, personal dynamics, and cultural differences. Through a comparative analysis of royal consorts newly introduced to the Portuguese, Burgundian, and Danish courts, this study aims to illuminate their multifaceted experiences, examining the delicate balance between duty,...
Historica Olomucensia 1 (2025), 43-65 | DOI: 10.5507/ho.2025.014
Between 1671 and 1673, the possible marriage between the then Duke of York, James, heir of the English throne, and Archduchess Claudia Felicitas of Tyrol, was subjected to important and complex negotiations between the members of the Stuart and Habsburg dynasties. Queen Regent Mariana of Austria and the Spanish Monarchy played a central role in them as the most interested party in the Habsburg dynasty to see this alliance come to fruition. The development of these marriage negotiations, focusing especially on two considerations, is analysed in this article. First, the central role that Queen Regent Mariana of Austria and the interests of the Spanish...
Historica Olomucensia 1 (2025), 66-86 | DOI: 10.5507/ho.2025.016
This study delves into the wartime correspondence of three noblewomen from the Černín family during the Thirty Years’ War: Zuzana Černínová of Harasov, Alžběta Myslíková of Chudenice, and Sylvie Černínová of Millesimo. Their letters provide a unique perspective on the impact of war on daily life, family relationships, and societal structures in the seventeenth century. The correspondence reveals the women’s roles as estate managers, their interactions with both friendly and enemy troops, and their efforts to navigate the challenges posed by the war. The study highlights the importance of aristocratic correspondence as a historical source,...
Historica Olomucensia 1 (2025), 87-111 | DOI: 10.5507/ho.2025.011
This article explores the methodological potential of process tracing (PT) within comparative-historical analysis, emphasizing its compatibility with historically grounded research. PT allows for systematic reconstruction of causal mechanisms by identifying temporally ordered, theory-driven sequences that link causes to outcomes within specific cases. Rather than replacing narrative approaches, PT complements them by enhancing analytical transparency and causal inference. The study demonstrates the practical application of PT through a comparative analysis of executive power centralization efforts during the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic in...
Historica Olomucensia 1 (2025), 112-122 | DOI: 10.5507/ho.2025.010
This article deals with the involvement of women in the labour process within the craft guilds in the territory of the Bohemian Kingdom in the Jagiellonian period. Significant changes in attitudes towards women’s work and the organisation of work come about with the Jagiellonian dynasty. Individual regulations had territorial differences. It is therefore important to examine the influences of urban law, the churches and, last but not least, the cultural shift within society. The paper attempts to point out the possible influences on the issue and highlights the limits of research on the topic.
Historica Olomucensia 1 (2025), 123-143 | DOI: 10.5507/ho.2025.002
After Japan opened to the world in the 1860s, Czech depictions of the country, like those in many other European nations, were often sensationalised and contradictory, largely due to the scarcity of reliable information. Early Czech travellers to Japan, such as Josef Kořenský, Enrique Stanko Vráz, and Joe Hloucha, played a significant role in perpetuating stereotypes about Japanese society. This paper examines Alois Svojsík’s influential 1913 work Japonsko a jeho lid (Japan and Its People), with particular attention paid to the prologue and afterword. In these sections, Svojsík critiques Czech and Western portrayals of Japan, discussing the dramatic...
Historica Olomucensia 1 (2025), 144-146
