The Defenestrations of Prague - How throwing someone out a window sparked a religious war
The Defenestrations of Prague - How throwing someone out a window sparked a religious war  
Podcast: History Dispatches
Published On: Wed Aug 12 2026
Description: Defenestrate is a highly specific word. It means to throw someone out of a window. And it comes from the city of Prague where several people were tossed out of a window and helped ignite a brutal religious war. And then it happened again 200 years later. This is the story of the Defenestrations of Prague. Sources https://english.radio.cz/blood-bohemia-second-defenestration-prague-and-window-changed-europe-8889193 https://english.radio.cz/first-defenestration-prague-what-was-it-and-why-did-it-happen-8124688 "The Thirty Years War: a documentary history" by Tryntje Helfferich Image: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:V%C3%A1clavBRO%C5%BD%C3%8DK-Defenestrace.jpg#Summary Sponsor Go to factormeals.com/dispatchespod50off to get 50 percent off and free daily greens per box. New subscribers only. While supplies last until 09/27/2026. (See website for more details). History Dispatches is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on History Dispatches? Email us at advertising@airwavemedia.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices