Jan Žižka

Who was Jan Žižka?

Jan Žižka z Trocnova a Kalicha, Czech general and Hussite leader, follower of Jan Hus, was born in the small village of Trocnov in Bohemia, into a gentried family. He was nicknamed "One-eyed Žižka." Since his youth, he was attached to the royal court and held the office of Chamberlain to Queen Sophia.

He fought in the Battle of Grunwald, where he defended Radzyń against the Teutonic Order. Later he played a prominent role in the civil wars in Bohemia during the reign of Wenceslas IV. Žižka's tactics were unorthodox and innovative. In addition to training and equipping his army according to their abilities, he used armored wagons armed with small cannons and muskets, presaging the tank of five hundred years later. He was also a master at using geography to full advantage as well as managing the discipline of his troops.

In the Battle of Kutná Hora he conquered the army of Holy Roman Empire and Hungary. Žižka is considered to be among the greatest military leaders and innovators of all time and is one of seven commanders in history who never lost a battle.