První staročeský překlad bible v kulturním kontextu 14. století

The aim of the paper is to draw attention to the complicated origin of the Old-Czech translation of the Bible. It seems impossible to judge the translation only as a problem seen from the point of view of Czech philology and textual history. As an adequate solution it is, therefore, suggested to discuss the topic in broader relations respecting the cultural history of the 14th century. After reviewing earlier opinions concerning the problem the author suggests a polycentric origin of the Old-Czech translation. The heart of the activities awaked in Augustinian monastery at Roudnice (the MS Prague NatMus XV A6 must be regarded as one of the Latin exemplar) and in the Dominican convent in Prague bounded to the University. The translation as a symbol of high intellectual level and challenging activities in Prague was stimulated by the hierarchy of the Church and by the Court. The number of translators is not known but it is possible to distinguish two groups. As a mediator (not as a translator) between all involved subjects (Augustinian monastery at Roudnice, Dominicans and preachers in Prague, University, Church hierarchy, Court) is hypothetically seen M. Bartolomew of Chlumec called Claretus. The beginning of the translation activities may be supposed after 1340 and they finished in the late 1360s according to the oldest MS called Bible of Dresden that burned at the beginning of the war of 1914-1918.