Battle of Vítkov Hill / Bitva na Vítkove (Prague)
N 50° 05.299 E 014° 26.910
33U E 460548 N 5548596
Vítkov Hill, atoped by striking National Monument (Národní památník) with equestrian statue of Hussite general Jan Zizka of Trocnov in the foreground, was in summer 1420 site of one of the turning points of the Czech history - Battle of Vítkov Hill.
Waymark Code: WMNMPA
Location: Hlavní město Praha, Czechia
Date Posted: 04/05/2015
Views: 64
Vítkov Hill, atoped by striking National Monument (Národní památník) with equestrian statue of Hussite general Jan Zizka of Trocnov in the foreground, was in summer 1420 site of one of the turning points of the Czech history - Battle of Vítkov Hill (Bitva na Vítkove). The Battle of Vítkov Hill was a part of the Hussite Wars. The battle pitted the forces of Sigismund, Holy Roman Emperor against Hussite forces under command of Jan Žižka (John Zizka).
When Czech King Wenceslas IV died in August 1419, he was succeded by his brother Sigismund, King of Hungary and Roman Emperor. However, the Czech people, who held him responsible for the death of church reformer Jan Hus (John Hus), refused to accept his claim to the throne. With the support of the Catholic Church and the German army, Sigismund launched a crusade against the Hussite movement and succeeded in occupying Prague Castle where he was crowned king.
In July 1420, the Hussites challenged Sigismund at Vítkov Hill on the outskirts of Prague. Led by their military leader Jan Žižka, the army of Hussite followers was joined by Czech soldiers from Prague who launched a surprise attack from the rear. Together, they succeeded in overpowering Sigismund and his men, forcing their retreat and Sigismund’s abdication.