MUNICIPAL FOUNDATIONS OF THE BOHEMIAN KING PŘEMYSL OTAKAR II. The origins of the town of Polička and its geographical and urban importance in the context of the medieval urban network

Medieval towns played a significant role in the political and administrative development of the Kingdom of Bohemia. Although their emergence on our territory was considerably delayed compared to other European states, in which their continuity can often be traced back to ancient times, their importance is not diminished in any way. The aim of this study is to present the reasons for the creation of the medieval urban network of the Bohemian Kingdom, especially during the time of the king of Bohemia Přemysl Otakar II, whose person is strongly associated with the initiation of the foundation of towns and their development. As an example, attention will be focused on the East Bohemian town of Polička, which, with its location and internal layout, vividly demonstrates the motives that led Přemysl Otakar II to such an extensive foundational work.