| Charles IV | |
|---|---|
| |
| Details | |
Born |
14 • 5 • 1316 |
Died |
29 • 11 • 1378 |
Titles |
Holy Roman Emperor King of Bohemia Margrave of Moravia Count of Luxembourg King of Italy King of the Romans King of Burgundy |
Gender |
Male |
Nationality |
Holy Roman Empire |
| Family | |
Parents |
John of Luxembourg |
Children |
Sigismund Wenceslas 11 others |
Charles IV was the emperor of the Holy Roman Empire from 1355 to 1378. He was the father of Sigismund and Wenceslas.
Charles was known for his wise and peaceful leadership style, even in the difficult times of the plague and severe weather storms. The empire was relatively peaceful and prosperous while he was the emperor. And Charles was a beloved King, especially in Bohemia.
Charles IV is a historical character.
Codex entry
Charles IV of Luxembourg, born Wenceslas, son of King John of Luxembourg, was the second member of the Luxembourg dynasty to become King of Bohemia (1346 - 1378) and the first to attain the title of Holy Roman Emperor (1355 - 1378). He held many other titles besides: Margrave of Moravia, Count of Luxembourg, King of Italy, King of the Romans and King of Burgundy.
Renouwned for his diplomatic skills and erudition, he actively endeavoured to consolidate his position and ensure the survival of his line in Europe, especially in Bohemia, Moravia and Germany. He was well-versed in several languages and at the French court he was tutored by none other than the future pope, Clement VI.
During his reign, Prague and the lands of the Bohemian Crown underwent a major transformation, becoming a powerful political, economic and cultural center. For this reason, this period of his reign is known as the Golden Age. He initiated the construction of many superb edifices, which thus bear his name, including Charles University, Charles Bridge and Karlstein Castle. He was keen to emphasize the role of religous faith in society. He renewed the cults of St. Wenceslas, St. Sigismund and St. Vitus, consecrating various Church buildings to them, among others Prague Cathedral.
He married four times and had thirteen children, most of whom died in infancy. The most illustrious of his offspring were his sons Wenceslas and Sigismund, who both became rules over the land of the Bohemian Crown.