Unknown Heavy Result Decisive Hussite victory | Date 27 April 1423 Location Hořice, Czech Republic | |
Similar Battle of Vyšehrad, Battle of Tachov, Battle of Kutná Hora, Battle of Deutschbrod, Battle of Aussig | ||
Battle of ho ice
The Battle of Hořice (German name: Horschitz) was fought on April 27, 1423 between the Orebites faction of the Hussites and Bohemian catholics. The Hussites were led by Jan Žižka (who was completely blind at the time of the battle), while the catholics were led by multiple convertite Čeněk of Wartenberg. The battle took place on the Gothard plateau near Hořice. Thanks to strategic position which allowed perfect use of Hussite war wagons and Žižka's tactical skills, the Hussites eventually won this battle.
Hussites took the high ground and built their Wagenburg (wagon fort) there. The catholic cavalry could not ride up such a steep hill and was forced to dismount. The cannons owned by the nobles could not fire effectively uphill. These circumstances made it a battle between infantry behind fortifications and heavily armored infantry in the field. Žižka's men held the Wagenburg against repeated attacks by dismounted cavalry. Then, Žižka decided that the time was right to counterattack. With some cavalry, the Hussites charged downhill and swept catholic forces from the battlefield.