Hussite Wars

The Hussite Wars involved the military actions against and amongst the followers of Jan Hus in Bohemia in the period 1420 to circa 1434. The Hussite Wars were arguably the first European war in which hand-held gunpowder weapons such as muskets made a decisive contribution. Light cannons were also used, especially by the Hussites who used them masterfully in defensive positions.

Peace Agreement

The moderate party thus obtained the upper hand; and it formulated its demands in a document which was finally accepted by the Church of Rome in a slightly modified form, and which is known as “the compacts.” The compacts, mainly founded on the articles of Prague, declare that:—

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I. The Holy Sacrament is to be given freely in both kinds to all Christians in Bohemia and Moravia, and to those elsewhere who adhere to the faith of these two countries.

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2. All mortal sins shall be punished and extirpated by those whose office it is so to do.

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3. The word of God is to be freely and truthfully preached by the priests of the Lord, and by worthy deacons.

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4. The priests in the time of the law of grace shall claim no ownership of worldly possessions.

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On 5 July 1436 the compacts were formally accepted and signed at Jihlava, in Moravia, by King Sigismund, by the Hussite delegates, and by the representatives of the Roman Church. The last-named, however, refused to recognize as archbishop of Prague, Jan of Rokycany, who had been elected to that dignity by the estates of Bohemia.

Related Topics:
5 July - 1436 - Jihlava

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