Jan Hus (Latin: Iohannes Hus) was a Czech theologian, philosopher, and reformer who served as rector of Charles University in Prague. Influenced by the writings of John Wycliffe, Hus became a leading critic of ecclesiastical corruption, simony, and the sale of indulgences. His preaching in Czech at the Bethlehem Chapel drew a wide popular following. Hus was excommunicated in 1411 and summoned to the Council of Constance under a promise of safe conduct, where he was tried for heresy and burned at the stake on 6 July 1415. His execution provoked the Hussite Wars and made him a central figure in Czech national and religious identity.
