Valasca (fl. 738)

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Valasca (fl. 738)

Military leader of Bohemia. Name variations: Dlasta. Flourished around 738 in Bohemia.

A bold military leader, Valasca began her career as a soldier in the army of Queen Libussa of Bohemia. Eventually she was made a general, and then became one of Libussa's most trusted aides. Around 738, Valasca led a coup d'etat against her queen, taking the throne for herself. It is reported that Valasca put women in high office and allowed only women to serve in her army, although these reports are almost certainly exaggerations. She was an aggressive queen and ruled a highly centralized government until her death.

Laura York , M.A. in History, University of California, Riverside, California