How Many People Died in Defenestration of Prague?

By Alice Nichols

The Defenestration of Prague is one of the most significant events in Czech history. It occurred on May 23, 1618, when a group of Bohemian Protestants stormed the Prague Castle and threw two royal councillors out of a window.

The reason behind this event was the growing tensions between the Catholic Habsburgs and the Protestant Bohemians. The Bohemian Protestants were unhappy with their loss of religious freedom and political power and wanted to protest against the Catholic Emperor’s policies.

The Defenestration of Prague led to the Thirty Years’ War, which lasted from 1618 to 1648 and resulted in the deaths of millions of people across Europe. However, many people are still curious about how many individuals died in this specific event.

It is widely believed that none of the councillors thrown out of the window died from their injuries. According to eyewitness accounts, they fell approximately 70 feet but landed on a large pile of manure, which cushioned their fall. This incident is referred to as “the miracle at Hradschin,” named after the castle where it occurred.

However, some reports suggest that a third councillor was also thrown out but landed on a sharp spike protruding from an iron fence below the window. This account suggests that he died instantly due to his injuries.

Despite these conflicting reports, it is generally accepted that only two councillors survived after being defenestrated from Prague Castle. Therefore, two individuals can be said to have died during this event.

In conclusion, while some reports suggest that more than two individuals may have died during the Defenestration of Prague, it is generally accepted that only two councillors were killed during this event. This incident marked a turning point in European history and led to decades-long wars and conflicts across Europe.