Who Was Thrown Out the Window in the Defenestration of Prague?

By Anna Duncan

The Defenestration of Prague is a historical event that took place in the early hours of May 23, 1618. It is an event that has been immortalized in history due to its significance in triggering the Thirty Years’ War.

So, who was thrown out the window during this incident? The answer is two imperial officials – Vilém Slavata and Jaroslav Martinic. They were representatives of the Holy Roman Emperor, Ferdinand II, and were sent to Prague to suppress religious freedom.

Their arrival in Prague was met with resistance from the Bohemian Estates, who were predominantly Protestant. The Estates called for a meeting with the imperial officials at Prague Castle to demand their withdrawal from Bohemia.

During this meeting, tensions escalated quickly. The imperial officials refused to comply with the demands of the Estates and instead accused them of revolting against their rightful ruler.

In response, a group of angry protesters stormed into the room and threw Slavata and Martinic out of a window. This act became known as the Defenestration of Prague.

Remarkably, Slavata and Martinic survived this fall from a height of about 70 feet. It is said that they landed on a pile of manure which cushioned their fall. This led to an urban legend that they were saved by divine intervention.

However, this event did not end well for all involved parties. The Defenestration of Prague sparked a conflict that lasted for over three decades – The Thirty Years’ War.

The war claimed millions of lives across Europe and saw numerous nations fighting against each other. It was one of the most destructive conflicts in European history and had far-reaching consequences that shaped modern-day Europe.

In conclusion, while two imperial officials – Vilém Slavata and Jaroslav Martinic – were thrown out the window during the Defenestration of Prague, it was an event that had repercussions far beyond their fall. It was a tipping point that led to one of the deadliest and most destructive wars in European history.