Origin and Education
Johannes Sylvius Egranus was born in 1480 in Cheb (Eger). The name “Egranus” is a Latinized form of the name of his birthplace.
In 1500 he began studying at the University of Leipzig, where he obtained the degree of Master in 1507. During his studies he became acquainted with the ideas of humanism and the theological debates that later developed into the Reformation.
Preaching and the Reformation
In 1516 he became a preacher in Zwickau. During the early years of the Reformation he became involved in disputes with the radical reformer Thomas Müntzer, one of the leaders of the so-called Zwickau prophets.
After this conflict he left Zwickau and moved to Jáchymov, which at that time had become an important centre of evangelical religious life.
Travels and Contacts
In 1523 he travelled from Jáchymov to Nuremberg, where he met the humanist Willibald Pirckheimer. He then continued to Basel to meet the famous scholar Erasmus of Rotterdam.
These contacts show his integration into the wider European network of humanist thinkers.
Works
Among his known works is Apologetica responsio gegen Hieronymus Dungershem, published in Leipzig in 1518. The preface to the book was written by Martin Luther.
Death
Johannes Sylvius Egranus died on 1 June 1535 in Jáchymov. Contemporary accounts state that his death was caused by excessive consumption of alcohol.
