Jan of Jenštejn facts for kids
Jan z Jenštejna (born in 1348 – died in 1400) was an important person from the historical region of Bohemia, which is now part of the Czech Republic. He was an archbishop, a composer who wrote music, and a poet who wrote poems. From 1379 to 1396, he served as the Archbishop of Prague, a very high position in the church. He studied at famous universities in cities like Bologna, Padova, Montpellier, and Paris.
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Jan z Jenštejna's Early Life and Career
Jan z Jenštejna was born in 1348 in the city of Prague. In 1379, he became the owner of Hrádek Castle. In the same year, he took over the role of Archbishop of Prague from his uncle, Jan Očko z Vlašimi, who had decided to step down.
Soon after, Jan z Jenštejna became a Chancellor for Wenceslaus IV of Bohemia, who was the King of Bohemia. A Chancellor was a high-ranking official who helped the king manage important matters.
Facing the Plague and New Ideas
The year after Jan became Archbishop, a serious illness called the Plague spread through Prague. Jan z Jenštejna also got sick, but he recovered. This experience deeply affected him. After this, he spent time at his castle, Helfenburk u Úštěka, thinking deeply about religious and philosophical questions.
Quarrel with the King
Jan z Jenštejna eventually left public life because of a disagreement with King Wenceslaus IV. Their main argument was about which Pope they should support. Jan remained loyal to Pope Urban VI, but the king did not agree with this choice.
Because of this disagreement, Jan left his job as Chancellor in 1384. The quarrel with the king made him leave politics completely. He then retired to his castle and gave up his position as Archbishop on July 2, 1396. After him, Olbram ze Škvorce became the new Archbishop.
A Close Call and Final Years
While at his castle, Jan z Jenštejna had a very close call. He fell from a newly built tower but amazingly managed to grab onto something and avoid falling to the ground.
Jan z Jenštejna died in Rome on June 17, 1400. After his death, all his belongings, including his castle, were passed on to the Archbishops of Prague.
Jan z Jenštejna's Creative Works
Jan z Jenštejna was a very creative person. He wrote a lot of music and poems.
Music and Poetry
His musical pieces were collected in a book titled Die Hymnen Johanns von Jenstein, Erzbischofs von Prag. This book was published in German in 1886. Jan z Jenštejna's writing was very rich. It included not only religious and philosophical writings but also many poems.
