Battle of Horschitz

In the battle of Horschitz (Czech Bitva u Hořic ) in April 1423 , the Hussite leaders Jan Žižka and Diviš Bořek z Miletínka defeated units of the Catholic Alliance. It was led by Vinzenz von Wartenberg and reinforced by mercenaries of Heinrich Berka von Dauba and Ernst Flaška von Pardubitz ( Arnošt Flaška z Pardubic ).

Žižka and his army took up position on the 353 m high Gotthard hill so that the heavily armed opponents had to get off their horses and continue on foot. When the tired mercenaries of the Catholic Alliance finally reached the Hussite wagon castle , rifle shots could be heard. The fierce battle that followed lasted three hours, and neither side benefited clearly. However, the heavily armed alliance grew tired, eventually turned around and, as it withdrew, encountered light cavalry and Hussite foot soldiers. These could easily catch up with the clumsy attackers and finally defeat them.

The exact time of the battle is disputed. Some sources mention April 20, 23 or 27, according to historians František Šmahel and Petr Čornej. In current history books, April 20, 1423 is given as the day of the battle.