The Last Luxembourgs (Especially Sigismund) in the Consciousness and Political Practice of the Crown of Bohemia in the Podiebradkorwin- Jagiellon Period or an Attempt to Revision Some Myths of (Not Only) Czech Historiography

Abstract

The article challenges the stereotypes of historiography and it deals with several examples of reference of various political figures of the Kingdom of Bohemia to the period of the rule of the House of Luxembourg, namely Sigismund. The “dark legend” of this ruler stands in sharp contrast to the actual historic resources from the second half of the 15th century. Even a cursory analysis shows that the political and confessional modus vivendi established during Sigismund’s rule became a valued norm, defended by the Czech utraquists during the rule of king Vladislaus. Even King Vladislaus Jagiello presented himself to the public (the Powder Tower in Prague) as the heir to the Luxembourg legacy. It was only later, when historians drew from the Hussite era resources, that the image of “evil Sigmund” came to life. During 15th and 16th century, Sigmund was remembered as a good king.