1415: The execution of Jan Hus

 

Jan Hus at the stake. Spiezer Chronik, 1485

 

The Bohemian theologian Jan Hus is burned to death in Jena on July 6, 1415. The execution is a sign of times to come: The number of religious executions grow rapidly in Europe in the 15th and 16th centuries.

 

But I rejoice that they were compelled to read my books, in which their wickedness was revealed. I know that they have perused these books more carefully than the Holy Scriptures in their desire to discover my errors.
– Jan Hus in a letter, nine days before his execution