Castles of Hussites Era

This thesis deals with the Czech castles during the Hussite Wars (1419-1436 and 1467-1485). Its aim was to explore and evaluate a group of selected objects and compare the results with the development of castle architecture in Europe. Research has shown that - in connection with the introduction of early guns in the end of the 14th century - there was a radical change of military tactics and castle architecture. Castles were equipped with a new type of fortifications that were not only resistant to artillery, but also allowed for their efficient firearm defense. Along with the penetration of the Hussite troops into neighboring countries, there came the spread of their military knowledge, which has gradually adopted in entire Central Europe. The local military architecture stands at the beginning of the Medieval fort architecture and precedes, by nearly a hundred years, the Italian and German fortifications. Key-words: Central Europe - Late Middle Age - Early Modern Age - Castle - Fortress - Firearm