Jan Hus
A forerunner of the Reformation a century before Luther, whose burning at the stake set off the Hussite Wars.
Life
Son of a farming family
Hus came from a Bohemian peasant family. He taught at Charles University and later became its rector, preaching in Czech at Prague's Bethlehem Chapel, and was deeply influenced by the English theologian Wycliffe.
Bethlehem Chapel
He attacked the corruption of the Church and the sale of indulgences, and held the Bible to be the highest authority. In 1414, carrying the emperor's safe-conduct, he went to the Council of Constance to defend his views, but was arrested there and refused to recant.
Burned at the stake
On July 6, 1415, he was condemned as a heretic and burned at the stake. His death enraged the Bohemians and set off the Hussite Wars, which lasted more than a decade.
Legacy
Hus was a forerunner of the European Reformation and a symbol of the Czech nation; July 6 is a public holiday in Czechia.
Major works & achievements
- On the Church
Did you know? After reading Hus's writings, Luther said, "We are all Hussites without knowing it."
Key dates
- 1402Preached at the Bethlehem Chapel
- 1409Became rector of Charles University
- 1412Denounced the sale of indulgences
- 1414Went to Constance
- 1415Burned at the stake