Several Bohemian monarchs ruled as non-hereditary kings beforehand, first gaining the title in 1085.

From 1004 to 1806, Bohemia was part of the Holy Roman Empire, and its ruler was an elector.

During 1526–1804 the Kingdom of Bohemia, together with the other lands of the Bohemian Crown, was ruled under a personal union as part of the Habsburg monarchy.

The division was made ineffective by Spytihnev (1055), who extended his rule to Moravia, uniting the whole Premyslid domain under his control.

However, after his death (1061), the landless brothers recovered the inheritance and divided it differently, as Vratislav inherited Bohemia: Despite having heirs, Luitpold's land came to Ulrich's possession after his death.