Page:Gregor The story of Bohemia.pdf/21



earliest historical account of the country of Bohemia reaches back into the fourth century B. C. According to Tacitus, the Boi, a Gallic tribe, crossed the Rhine, settled in this region, and from them the country derived its name.

The Boi were the fiercest of the Gallic tribes. Being far removed from the influence of Rome, they knew none of the luxuries of civilization, and consequently were more hardy and able to withstand the attacks of the surrounding tribes. Finally, weakened by internal strifes, they were overcome, scattered, and passed away from the country, leaving no trace of themselves but a few names; such as Vltava, Moravia, BrnaBrno [sic], Beroun, and others.

The Boi were succeeded by the Marcomanni, who held the country till about the beginning of the fifth century A. D., when they in their turn were driven out, and the country was settled by a Slavic race. They came from the east, under the leadership of Čech, and finding the country uninhabited, decided to take it their home. They called themselves Čechs, from their leader, and the country Čechy; but the sur- 2em