An RPG called Kingdom Come: Deliverance is coming out this year and it's set in that period. I want to learn more about the period before playing the game.
The game takes place in the Kingdom of Bohemia, part of the Lands of the Bohemian Crown and modern-day Czech Republic. Specifically, Act 1 is based on the real-world area between Sázava and Rataje nad Sázavou.
The game begins in 1403. and the important historical figures involved are Charles IV, Wenceslaus IV and Sigismund. There's also some kind of war happening. I'm not sure what war, that's why I'm here asking you and also why I wanna read about it before playing the game. There was also something about a war with the hussites or something in the period after the game takes place. I want to learn about all of it.
For more clues on what I should be reading here's the full summary from wikipedia:
Kingdom Come: Deliverance takes place in the Kingdom of Bohemia, part of the Lands of the Bohemian Crown and modern-day Czech Republic. Specifically, Act 1 is based on the real-world area between Sázava and Rataje nad Sázavou. The game begins in 1403.
The old king has died and his heir lacks the power to secure his throne. The new king's brother seizes this opportunity to kidnap the king and pillage his lands, seeking his own advancement. The mentioned kings being the historical figures Charles IV, Wenceslaus IV and Sigismund.
The game will follow the son of a blacksmith, whose family has been killed by the invading army. The protagonist seeks revenge and will ultimately strive to restore the rightful ruler to the throne and order to the land.
Well the Hussite wars start around 1419, with the First Defenestration of Prague.
General Czech (bohemian) history can be found through one of my podcasts: the Bohemican Podcast http://bohemican.com
The Hussites were early reformers (about a century before Martin Luther) and it's a bit early, but I'm guessing that's it. So, see our episode on Jan Hus, the Hussites, Taborites, Ultaquists... that should get you started. Just start googling those key words like "First Defenestration" and "Jan Hus" if you don't like podcasts.
Czechs (Bohemia) were a part of the Holy Roman Empire, and Charles IV, Holy Roman Emperor from the house of Luxembourg made Prague his home and capital for the Empire.
Czechs are Slavs, and most of the rest of the Empire was German (Charles was a Kaiser), then the Czechs also became protestants, while the rest of the Empire stayed Roman Catholic. They had crusades and everything against them, from all sides. And were winning! Super interesting stuff -- I'll have to check out that game! :)