Samo

The Samo Empire (623 - 665) was the first organized community of Slavs in the region that is now Slovakia, and was named after its ruler, Prince Samo.

In 623, the Samo Empire rose up against the Avars, who had invaded the region from the Steppes of Asia, and drove them out of Slovakia. They then went on to gain their independence from the neighboring Franks, by defeating King Dagobert's army, at Vosgate Castle, in 631.

Prince Samo died in 665, together with the Empire he had created. With no capable heir to carry on what he had started, Slovakia was once more ruled by the Avars, until they were finally defeated by the Emperor Charlemagne, in 799.

Direct quote from: www.heartofeurope.co.uk/history_slovakia3.htm [unverified (12.24.2003)]