Matthew the Leader (Czech: MatÃÂj Và ¯dce; died 1409 in ÃÂeské BudÃÂjovice) was a bandit who was raiding caravans of the Rosenberg family in the early 15th century. He operated in the South Bohemian Region.
Matthew himself was likely an impoverished zeman, or part of the lower nobility. According to the of Jihlava, he led a large group, which included famous military leader Jan à ½ià ¾ka. They subsisted on road robberies and raids.
Matthew's gang activities were recorded by the Rosenberg family. It is likely he was supported by nobles who sided with Wenceslaus IV of Bohemia against the League of Lords, such as John Sokol of Lamberg.
Although mainly focused on theft, Matthew also attempted to occupy some castles in South Bohemia. This included an attempt to acquire , administered at the time by MikulÃ¡à ¡ of Hus. There were also plans to seize . With help from the , Matthew further attempted to take the Rosenberg held castle of Veleà ¡ÃÂn near ÃÂeského Krumlova, but failed.
In 1407, Henry III of Rosenberg began to crack down on the banditry. Some members began to leave the group, including à ½ià ¾ka. Many members were captured, tried, and executed. Under torture, Matthew himself confessed to several robberies. In response to these crimes, Matthew was hanged in 1409 at ÃÂeské BudÃÂjovice.