Abstract
The author places the issue of looting the Franciscan monastery in Prague, 15 February 1611, into a broader historical context. It analyzes the personality of Emperor Rudolf II. and his reign in the Czech Kingdom and based on written sources tries to reconstruct the events leading to his resignation.
In response to a question about the role of Emperor by the assault troops bishop Leopold von Habsburg in Prague, the author emphasizes the personal motivation of Rudolf II. In an effort to prevent the spread of non-Catholic religions and avert own downfall, invited foreign troops to Bohemia, and brought his country to the brink of war status and admitted bloodshed.
Motives's storm, which paid the ultimate price for 14 monks of the Franciscan monastery, are still poorly understood. The primary impetus for the emergence of the riots was to defend the city from the enemy.
In its own course then played a major role in religious and national hatred Prague population as well as economic reasons - the desire to seize assets hidden in monasteries.