Boruth

Borouth or Boruth ( Slow Borut, the fighter ) was in the 8th century about 740-750 the first Named karantanische Slavic prince.

Life and meaning

Borouth should have prevailed at the beginning of the 8th century as ruler of the Slovenian Carantanians. When the area which parts of present-day Carinthia and Styria, and possibly small sections of Slovenia included, was repeatedly threatened by the Avars, he was forced by approximately 740 to Duke Odilo of Bavaria to ask for help. Duke Odilo granted appropriate help, but only against recognition of the rule of the Bavarians, and thus the Frankish Empire.

This ruled Borouth, his son Cacatius ( Slow Gorazd ) and 752-769 his nephew Cheitumar ( Slow Hotimir ) as Frankish vassals. The Bavarians tried their influence in the field to increase and erected in Salzburg first Christian mission under Bishop Virgilius. This was Cacatius and Cheitumar bring hostage to Salzburg and educate Christian. After the takeover of power Cheitumars 752 he asked Virgilius for help in the Christianization of the country. In addition to the spiritual adviser of the prince, Maioranus, so 757 of the choir bishop Modestus was sent to Karantania.

As a result, Modestus died after 767 ( inauguration Church in Maria Saal ) and Cheitumar 769, which brought the missionary movement to a halt. Valhun tried as a successor to enforce the rule of tradition. But the pagan Slavs organized several revolts and only 772 could Duke Tassilo III. militarily intervene and use Valhun as ruler. The missionary work was continued by traveling priests.