Orebites

TheOrebites(Czech:Orebité), also calledLesser Taboritesand later known asSirotci( "Orphans";‹See Tfd›German:Waisen), officiallyOrphans' Union(Czech:Sirotčí svaz), were followers of aradical wingof theHussitesinBohemia.^[1]The founders took part in the procession on MountOreb,nearTřebechovice pod OrebemandHradec.Founded in 1423 originally under the nameLesserTábor,it consisted mostly of poorer burghers and some members of theCzech nobilitywho joined with the commanderJan Žižka.

The ideological founder of the Orebites was the priestAmbrož Hradecký.Leaders includedHynek Krušina of LichtenburgandDiviš Bořek of Miletínek,the captain of the Hussites in Eastern and Central Bohemia. The Orebites were instrumental in the burning of the Benedictine monastery inMnichovo Hradištěin the early summer of 1420, and in autumn, they supported the rest of the Hussites at theBattle of Vyšehrad.

After Žižka's death (1424) left them "orphaned", these combatants adopted their new name. From 1424 to 1428, they were led by the priestAmbrožofHradecand then by another priest,Prokop the Lesser.HejtmanJan Čapek of Sánywas elected as their military commander (1431–1434). After 1457, most supporters belonged to theBohemian Brethrenchurchand played an important role in its development.