The House of Rosenberg ( or Páni z Roà ¾mberka) was a prominent Bohemian noble family that played an important role in Czech medieval history from the 13th century until 1611. Members of this family held posts at the Prague royal (and later imperial) court, and were viewed as very powerful lords of the Kingdom of Bohemia. This branch of the VÃÂtkovci clan was initially founded by VÃÂtek III, the son of Witiko of PrÃÂice.
Around 1250, the VÃÂtkovci clan settled at the Roà ¾mberk Castle in the region of ÃÂeský Krumlov, then about 1253 erected the ÃÂeský Krumlov Castle. The ÃÂeský Krumlov Castle thus became the residence of the Lords of Rosenbergs for the next three hundred years. It was the Rosenbergs who influenced the appearance of southern Bohemia to a great extent. The coat of arms and emblem of this family was represented by a red five-petalled rose on a silver field, which is still often seen in a considerable part of southern Bohemia.
Peter I of Rosenberg held the post of the superior chamberlain at the court of John of Bohemia. His wife was a widow of the Bohemian King Wenceslaus III.
Another significant personage of the family was Jindà Âich III of Rosenberg, a son of Oldà Âich I of Rosenberg, who led the League of Lords, being displeased during the reign of King Wenceslaus IV.
Jindà Âich's son, Oldà Âich II of Rosenberg, was a member of the Bohemian nobility who defended the interests of Bohemian catholic nobility and of Sigismund, Holy Roman Emperor, during the times of the Hussite Wars.
A daughter of Oldà Âich II was Perchta of Rosenberg, who is identified with the Rosenbergs "White Lady" ghost tales, and current residents of the area still report seeing Perchta's spirit around the castle.
The decline of the House of Rosenberg began with William and Peter Vok, the sons of Joà ¡t III, both being raised under the guardianship of their uncle, Peter V.
William of Rosenberg is generally considered the most significant representative of the family, making the ÃÂeský Krumlov area the centre of southern Bohemian cultural and political life.
After William's death in 1592, his younger brother Peter Vok assumed the position of reigning lord. In 1601, he was forced to sell the Krumlov castle to Rudolf II, Holy Roman Emperor. Peter Vok transferred his residence after the sale to Tà Âeboà Â, where he died in 1611. Peter Vok brought to a close the three-hundred-year-long reign of this illustrious dynasty.