Slavkov u Brna (; ) is a town in Vyškov District in the South Moravian Region of the Czech Republic. It has about 7,000 inhabitants. The town gave its name to the Battle of Austerlitz which took place several kilometres west of the town. The historic town centre is well preserved and is protected by law as an urban monument zone. Etymology The German name Austerlitz is derived from Latin Nova sedes (i.e. "new settlement"), which has gradually evolved over history through the names Novosedeliz (1237), Nausedlicz (1322), Neusserlicz (1343), Nausterlitz (1460) and Austerlitz (1611). The Czech name Slavkov is derived from Slávek (colloquial name of Bohuslav), who probably owned a manor house here. The Czech name was first documented in 1361. In 1918, Slavkov was renamed Slavkov u Brna ("Slavkov near Brno") to distinguish from other places with the same name. Geography Slavkov u Brna is located about east of Brno. It is situated on the border of three geomorphological regions: the northeastern part of the municipal territory lies in the Litenčice Hills, the northwestern part lies in the Dyje–Svratka Valley, and the southern part extends into the Ždánice Forest. The highest point is the hill Urban at above sea level. The Litava River flows through the town. History At the end of the 12th century, Margrave Vladislaus III gave the area to the Teutonic Order. The first written mention of Slavkov is from 1237 in a deed of Wenceslaus I. It was originally a market village with a fortified stronghold and a church, located at the crossroads of trade routes. The Teutonic Order founded a commandery here. From 1396 to 1407, Slavkov was held by Jobst of Moravia. In 1407, it was returned to the Teutonic Order, but after the defeat of the Order in the Battle of Grunwald, Slavkov was confiscated from them in 1411. In the 14th century, a Jewish ghetto was established near the commandery. The merger of the Christian and Jewish communities created a strong economic agglomeration, which was promoted to a town by King Wenceslaus IV in 1416. The town was strongly fortified and had four gates. The town often changed owners until 1509, when the noble family of Kaunitz assumed control for more than 400 years. They made it the main seat of the family. Demographics Sights On the site of the old fortress was built a Renaissance residence at the end