Page 30 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Prague

28  INTRODUCING PR A GUE

Hussite Prague

In the early 15th century, Europe shook in fear of an incredible
fighting force – the Hussites, followers of the reformist cleric,
Jan Hus. Despite simple weapons, they achieved legendary
military successes against the Emperor’s Catholic crusades,
due largely to their religious fervour and to the discipline of
their brilliant leader, Jan Žižka, who invented mobile artillery.
The Hussites split into two camps, the moderate “Utraquists” Extent of the City
(see p77) and the radical “Taborites” who were finally defeated 1500 Today
at the Battle of Lipany in 1434, paving the way for the
moderate Hussite king, George of Poděbrady.

Nobles’ Letter of Protest
Several hundred seals of the Bohemian
nobility were affixed to a letter protesting
about the execution of Jan Hus.

The priest
held a gilded
monstrance.
God’s Warriors Jan Žižka
The early-16th-century Codex of Jena illustrated the
Hussite successes. Here, the Hussites, who included
artisans and barons, are shown singing their
hymn, with their blind leader, Jan Žižka.

War Machine
For maximum effect,
farm waggons
were tied
together to
form a shield.
A chilling array of
weapons were
unleashed including
crossbows, flails
and an early form
of howitzer.

1402–13 Jan Hus preaches at 1419 Defenestration The Taborites made
Bethlehem Chapel (see p77) of councillors from lethal weapons from
New Town Hall simple farm tools
1415 Jan Hus burned at
the stake at Constance 1434 Battle of Lipany
Jan Hus preaching
1400 1420 1440
1410 Jan Hus
excommunicated. Building 1424 Jan Žižka dies 1448 Prague conquered by
of Old Town Clock troops of George of Poděbrady
Chalice on the outside of the
The chalice, symbol 1420 Hussites victorious under Jan Church of Our Lady before Týn
of the Utraquists Žižka at Vitkov and Vyšehrad denotes the Hussite cause

028-029_EW_Prague.indd 28 20/03/17 11:28 am
Eyewitness Travel LAYERS PRINTED:
Starsight history template “UK” LAYER
(Source v1)
Date 26th July 2012
Size 125mm x 217mm