Jan Hus was a Czech theologian, philosopher, and preacher who became a central figure in the Bohemian Reformation. Born in Husinec around 1372, he served as a professor and rector at the University of Prague before becoming a prominent preacher at the Bethlehem Chapel. He is recognized as a precursor to Protestantism, as his critiques of clerical corruption and certain Church doctrines influenced later reformers like Martin Luther. His refusal to recant his theological views led to his execution by burning at the stake in Constance in 1415.