Libertus Houthem

Libertus Houthem (died 1584) was an educator and Neo-Latin author from the prince-bishopric of Liège who died as court chaplain to Holy Roman Emperor Rudolph II.[1]

Life

Houthem was a member of the Brethren of the Common Life and taught Latin in the congregation's school in Liège. He also wrote Latin verse and drama for educational purposes.

In 1577 he transferred to Brussels, where he was elected head of the congregation's house. After the Calvinist coup in Brussels he was imprisoned. In 1579 he escaped the city and made his way to Mons. There he was appointed head of a local school by the city council, and censor of books by the Privy Council.

In 1583 Houthem was appointed chaplain to the imperial court of Rudolph II. He died in Prague in 1584, and his final work was published there posthumously.

Works

References

  1. ^ Jozef IJsewijn, "Houthem, Libertus", Nationaal Biografisch Woordenboek, vol. 10 (Brussels, 1983), 263-268.