An Alsatian Nobleman’s Account of the Second Crusade against the Hussites in 1421: A New Edition, Translation, and Interpretation

A newly transcribed and translated letter from an Alsatian nobleman provides unprecedented insights into the Second Crusade against the Hussites (1421), shedding light on its disintegration. The account, sourced from Archives Départementales du Haut-Rhin, details the crusade's progression, from the nobleman's arrival in Nuremberg to the siege of Saaz/Žatec, offering unique perspectives on military conditions and logistical challenges. Critical analysis compares this narrative with other historical sources, evaluating its reliability and contribution to understanding the Second anti-Hussite Crusade and broader Hussite Wars. The study also identifies the author as Smassmann von Rappoltstein, reinforcing the Holy Roman Empire's role in organizing these crusades.

Hardy, D. (2016). An Alsatian Nobleman’s Account of the Second Crusade against the Hussites in 1421: A New Edition, Translation, and Interpretation. Crusades, 15(1), 199–221. https://doi.org/10.1080/28327861.2016.12220069