Jan Žižka (1360-1424) was a Czech military leader and one of the most renowned figures in Czech history. He is best known for his role as the commander of the Hussite army during the Hussite Wars, a series of religious conflicts in Bohemia in the early 15th century.
Žižka was born into a noble family and received a good education, but he chose to pursue a career as a soldier. He gained experience fighting in various wars across Europe before returning to his homeland of Bohemia.
In 1419, tensions between the Catholic Church and followers of Jan Hus, a Czech religious reformer, erupted into violence. Žižka joined the Hussites and quickly rose through the ranks due to his strategic brilliance and fearless leadership on the battlefield.
Under Žižka's command, the Hussites employed innovative tactics such as using mobile wagons as fortifications and developing an effective infantry formation known as the "Wagenburg." These tactics allowed them to defeat much larger and better-equipped armies sent by the Catholic Church.
Despite facing numerous challenges, including betrayal from within their own ranks, Žižka's army remained undefeated for over a decade.
