The Council of Constance convened in 1414, primarily to resolve issues within the Catholic Church, including the existence of multiple popes. It aimed to end the Great Western Schism that had fractured the Church's authority. Jerome of Prague, a follower of Jan Hus and known for his assertive critiques of Church practices, was among the prominent figures who came to the council under the promise of safe conduct. His alignment with Hus and other reformers positioned him as a significant target for church authorities determined to suppress heretical ideas.

After presenting his views, Jerome was put on trial for heresy, which was a serious charge in the ecclesiastical context of the day. The trial proceedings were characterized by an atmosphere of hostility towards any notions that challenged Church doctrines. Despite his defense and entreaties for thought reform rather than punishment, the council ultimately deemed him guilty. This culminated in his execution by burning on May 30, 1416, in a public spectacle intended to serve as a warning to others.

This event marked a pivotal moment in the history of the Church, illustrating the lengths to which ecclesiastical authorities would go to enforce orthodoxy. The execution not only silenced Jerome but contributed to the growing dissent that would later unfold during the Reformation. The brutal nature of the punishment underlined the Church's rigidity at the time and further alienated many who had already started to question the institution's authority.