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The reformation in Germany and Martin Luther did not come out of nothing. A whole century before, the era was characterized by a series of attempts at religious reform. Two of Luther's predecessors lived in Bohemia: Jan Hus (about 1369-1415) and Jerome of Prague (about 1378/79-1416). The latter studied in Oxford where he was inspired by the teachings of John Wyclif and brought these ideas to Prague. There they inspired the Dean of the Arts Faculty, Jan Hus, to deliver great sermons. Jan Hus also received enthusiastic support from the Bohemian aristocracy, the Prague middle class and the common people. His reformation was therefore more than just a theological affair; it became a political power factor and a revolutionary project. In 1415 Hus was summoned to the Council of Constance, where he was condemned and burnt to death, despite being promised safe passage. His death as a martyr triggered revolts in Bohemia, leading to the Hussite civil wars. The Hussites' most important demands (free sermons based on the Bible, Communion provided in bread and wine, separation of church and state rule, the overcoming of social injustices) and church services in the national language were to become central demands of Luther, but they had already been implemented in Bohemia a hundred years earlier.