Jan Hus, a name synonymous with courage and religious reform, was a Bohemian priest, philosopher, and master at Charles University in Prague. Born in the 14th century, Hus became a pivotal figure in the pre-Reformation era, challenging the authority and practices of the Catholic Church decades before Martin Luther.
Inspired by the writings of John Wycliffe, Hus advocated for a more accessible and morally pure Church. He preached in the Czech language, making scripture understandable to the common people. His bold criticisms of papal authority, indulgences, and corruption within the clergy earned him both fervent followers and powerful enemies.
Despite being promised safe passage, Hus was arrested and condemned as a heretic at the Council of Constance. He refused to recant his beliefs, even when facing death. In 1415, Jan Hus was burned at the stake, a martyr for his convictions. His death ignited the Hussite Wars, a period of religious and political upheaval in Bohemia, solidifying his legacy as a champion of reform and a national hero.
