Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, "Bohemia" to "Borgia, Francis" Volume 4, Slice 2

Bohemia — the heart of the Czech lands and a historic crown‑province of the Austrian Empire — lies in the very centre of Europe, sandwiched between the Alps and the lowlands of the Elbe. Its irregular rhomb‑shaped terrain covers roughly two‑thirds the size of Scotland, bounded by the Bavarian foothills, Saxony, Moravia and the Danube basin. The region’s natural corridors, from the Danubian plain through Moravia to the Elbe valley, have long offered easy passage across the continent while the surrounding mountains provide a natural shield.

Beyond geography, Bohemia has been a cultural crossroads where Germanic and Slavic worlds meet, shaping art, literature and politics for centuries. From early migrations to medieval kingdoms, the land has witnessed pivotal events that forged its identity as a vibrant hub of European civilization. Listeners will discover how this unique blend of landscape and history made Bohemia a key player in the continent’s evolving story.