Geografie 1985, 90, 200-209

https://doi.org/10.37040/geografie1985090030200

Historical-geographic concept of the origin of Prague (Praha) and the origin of its name

Ota Pokorný

Cihlářova 9/655, 140 18 Praha 4, Czechia

The paper is based on the most recent results of the archeological and engineering-geological research in particular. The author presents a hypothesis which is based on the interpretation of the name Praha (Prague), essentially founded geomorphologically. The name Praha in its general form indicates elevations (prahy - rapids) near water courses or swamps in places where (primeval) ways crossed them. These elevations, safe from floods - along rivers called terraces - could became the place of later market places and thus be responsible for the origin of towns, as is the case of Praha, the capital af Czechoslovakia.