The term "Hussite" refers to the followers of Jan Hus, a Czech religious reformer who lived in the early 15th century. The Hussites emerged in Bohemia (now part of the Czech Republic) and advocated for reforms in the Catholic Church, emphasizing the importance of the Bible and communion in both kinds (bread and wine) for all believers. The Hussite movement led to a series of conflicts known as the Hussite Wars (1419-1434), where they fought against the Catholic Church and the Holy Roman Empire. The Hussites are considered a precursor to the Protestant Reformation, influencing later reformers like Martin Luther.