# John of Bohemia

> king of Bohemia

**Wikidata**: [Q155167](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q155167)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_of_Bohemia)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/john-of-bohemia

## Summary
John of Bohemia, also known as John the Blind, was King of Bohemia from 1310 until his death in 1346. A member of the House of Luxembourg, he played a pivotal role in European politics and military conflicts, notably the Battle of Crécy during the Hundred Years' War, where he died. His reign strengthened Luxembourg's influence in Central Europe.

## Biography
- **Born**: 10 August 1296  
- **Nationality**: Luxembourgish (ruled Bohemia, modern-day Czech Republic)  
- **Known for**: Military leadership in the Hundred Years' War; died at the Battle of Crécy  
- **Employer(s)**: Kingdom of Bohemia (as monarch)  
- **Field(s)**: Medieval European politics, military strategy  

## Contributions
- **Battle of Crécy (1346)**: Led a contingent of Bohemian forces in support of the French against England. His death during the battle marked a turning point in the conflict, contributing to the English victory.  
- **Diplomatic Alliances**: Strengthened ties between Luxembourg and Bohemia through strategic marriages and territorial negotiations, elevating Luxembourg's political stature.  

## FAQs
- **Why is John of Bohemia called "the Blind"?**  
  He suffered from eye disease, particularly glaucoma, which led to near-total blindness later in life.  

- **What was John of Bohemia's role in the Battle of Crécy?**  
  He commanded a Bohemian army in support of Philip VI of France against Edward III of England. Despite his blindness, he fought on horseback and was killed in the battle.  

- **How did John of Bohemia influence Luxembourg's history?**  
  His marriage to Elisabeth of Bohemia secured Luxembourg's control over the Kingdom of Bohemia, elevating the duchy's status in European politics.  

## Why They Matter
John of Bohemia's military leadership and strategic alliances reshaped medieval European power dynamics. His death at Crécy became a symbol of chivalric honor, and his rule solidified Luxembourg's territorial and political influence. Without his efforts, the Luxembourg dynasty's dominance in Central Europe might not have endured, altering the trajectory of regional history.

## Notable For
- Died fighting at the Battle of Crécy (1346), a key engagement in the Hundred Years' War.  
- Known as "the Blind" due to severe vision loss.  
- Secured Luxembourg's control over Bohemia through marriage.  
- Featured in historical accounts and cultural works, including references to his tomb at the Old Town Hall in Prague.  

## Body
### Early Life
John was born on 10 August 1296 to Henry VII, Holy Roman Emperor, and Margaret of Brabant. His early life was marked by the political ambitions of his father, who sought to expand Luxembourg's influence across Europe.

### Reign as King of Bohemia
John became King of Bohemia in 1310 through his marriage to Elisabeth of Bohemia, heiress to the Premyslid dynasty. His rule focused on consolidating power in Bohemia while maintaining Luxembourg's interests. He faced internal conflicts, including nobility uprisings, but stabilized the kingdom through strategic alliances.

### Military Career
#### Battle of Crécy (1346)
John's most notable military action was his participation in the Battle of Crécy, where he led a Bohemian contingent to support the French. Despite his blindness, he rode into battle tied to his horse, accompanied by his son Charles (later Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV). Both were killed in the fighting, which ended in a decisive English victory. John's death cemented his reputation for chivalric valor.

### Legacy
John's reign entrenched Luxembourg's control over Bohemia, elevating the duchy to a major European power. His descendants, including Charles IV, continued to shape Central European politics. Culturally, John is remembered in Luxembourg as a national hero, and his tomb in Prague's Old Town Hall remains a historical landmark. His story has been immortalized in literature and art, symbolizing medieval ideals of honor and sacrifice.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. Source
3. [Source](https://www.volksfreund.de/region/saarburg/das-ende-einer-langen-odyssee_aid-5729469)
4. [Source](https://luxemburgensia.bnl.lu/cgi/getPdf1_2.pl?mode=page&id=10358&option=)
5. International Standard Name Identifier
6. Virtual International Authority File
7. BnF authorities
8. Find a Grave
9. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
10. [Source](https://www.biografiasyvidas.com/biografia/j/juan_i_de_luxemburgo.htm)
11. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
12. IdRef
13. Encyclopedia of Brno History
14. Sejm-Wielki.pl
15. Bibliography of the History of the Czech Lands