John of Bohemia
A blind king who charged into the Battle of Crécy, becoming a symbol of chivalric folly and fathering one of Europe's greatest medieval rulers.
1296–1346 (age 50)·King of Bohemia from 1310 to 1346·Birthday: August 10
Biography
John of Bohemia lived a life of relentless ambition and knight-errantry that ended in one of history's most famously reckless acts of valor. Crowned King of Bohemia through marriage, he spent little time governing his realm, preferring the tournament fields and battlefields of Europe, where he earned a reputation as a consummate warrior. After losing his eyesight to disease a decade before his death, he refused to retire. In 1346, at the age of 50, he ordered his knights to tie their horses to his and lead him into the thick of the Battle of Crécy so he might strike a blow against the English. His dramatic death cemented his legend as the epitome of blind, devoted chivalry. His true legacy, however, was biological: his son, Charles IV, transformed Prague into an imperial capital and became one of the most effective Holy Roman Emperors.
#1 When John Was Born
The biggest hits of 1296
John's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1296Born
1301Started school
1309Became a teenager
1312Could drive
1314Could vote
1317Turned 21
1326Turned 30
1336Turned 40
1346Turned 50
Key Achievements
- Founded the Benedictine Abbey of Clervaux in Luxembourg in 1909.
- As Count of Luxembourg, he significantly expanded his ancestral territory through diplomacy and purchase.
- His death at the Battle of Crécy became an enduring legend of medieval chivalric sacrifice.
- Fathered Charles IV, Holy Roman Emperor and King of Bohemia, who built Prague into a major European capital.
Did You Know?
He lost his eyesight completely around 1336, likely due to ophthalmia or a tournament injury.
The phrase "Ich dien" (I serve) on the Prince of Wales's feathers is said to originate from his crest, taken after Crécy.
He was a patron of the poet and composer Guillaume de Machaut, who served as his secretary.
Despite being King of Bohemia for 36 years, he spent most of his reign abroad, leaving the country administered by nobles.
“Let it not be said a king fights from the rear.”
