How Did They Survive the Defenestration of Prague?

By Anna Duncan

How Did They Survive the Defenestration of Prague?

The Defenestration of Prague was a pivotal event in European history that occurred on May 23, 1618. It involved the throwing of two Imperial governors out of a window at Prague Castle by Czech Protestant noblemen. This act of defiance sparked the Thirty Years’ War, one of the most brutal and devastating conflicts in history.

The Miracle Escape

After being defenestrated, surprisingly, both governors survived the fall from the third-story window. This miraculous escape has baffled historians for centuries. How did they manage to survive such a dangerous fall?

1. The Straw Pile Theory

One theory suggests that there was a large pile of straw below the window, which cushioned their fall. This would explain why they escaped with relatively minor injuries. However, this theory lacks concrete evidence and is often considered speculative.

2. The Intervention of Angels

According to popular belief among the Catholic population at that time, it was believed that angels intervened and miraculously saved the governors from certain death. This explanation was widely accepted by those who witnessed the event and contributed to their survival being seen as a divine intervention.

Other Factors

In addition to these theories, there are other factors that may have contributed to their survival:

  • Luck: Sometimes, surviving such falls can simply be attributed to luck or chance.
  • Fall Techniques: It is possible that one or both individuals were skilled in acrobatics or had some knowledge of how to minimize injury during a fall.
  • Structural Elements: The architecture of Prague Castle may have played a role in their survival. Perhaps the design of the building allowed for a less severe impact.

While it is difficult to determine with certainty how they survived the defenestration, it is clear that their survival was nothing short of remarkable. Their escape not only defied the laws of physics but also had far-reaching consequences that altered the course of European history.

In conclusion, the survival of the governors during the Defenestration of Prague remains a fascinating topic that continues to captivate historians and scholars to this day. Whether it was due to divine intervention, luck, or other factors, their escape from certain death serves as a reminder of the extraordinary events that shaped our past.