The Compactata of Basel

JAN 01 1436 · 12:00

The Compactata are proclaimed at Jihlava, 5 July 1436: Rome concedes the chalice to the laity in Bohemia and Moravia. Place: Market square, Jihlava (Iglau), Moravia Figures: Sigismund of Luxembourg, claimant since 1419 · Jan Rokycana, elected Utraquist archbishop of Prague · the legates of the Council of Basel The Council of Basel, which opens in 1431 partly to deal with the Hussite problem, has been negotiating with a Bohemian delegation since 1433. Prokop the Bald himself comes to Basel that winter and is received with grudging respect. The talks survive his death at Lipany because the moderates who replace him want a settlement even more than he did. On July 5, 1436, in the market square of Jihlava, the Compactata are sworn. They concede, in narrowly negotiated language, the lay chalice to Bohemia and Moravia. Communion sub utraque specie may be administered to adults and children in the lands of the Bohemian crown, by priests in communion with Rome. Free preaching is allowed in approved form. Confiscated church lands are tacitly recognized, not undone. Mortal sin is left to the ordinary courts. The Four Articles survive in the Compactata as ghosts of themselves, but they survive.