Charles IV (1316 - 1378 CE) was the King of Bohemia and Holy Roman Emperor from 1355 until his death. He was the eldest son of John of Luxembourg, King of Bohemia, and his wife, Elizabeth of Bohemia. He succeeded his father in 1346 as King of Bohemia, though he was still a young man and often ruled through a regency.
Charles IV expanded the kingdom of Bohemia, bringing it more in line with other centralized European states. He reformed the kingdoms administration and introduced measures to improve education and the legal system. He also encouraged settlement and colonization of new areas, and helped to found the University of Prague to train the kingdoms civil servants. He was a patron of the arts and sciences, and was the driving force behind the construction of Karlstein Castle and the Charles Bridge.
Charles IV was also a major political figure, playing a prominent role in the organization of the Holy Roman Empire, negotiating complex alliances with other rulers, and representing the interests of Bohemia and the Holy Roman Empire at international courts. He traveled extensively throughout Europe and often represented both Bohemia and the Holy Roman Empire at European courts. His diplomatic skills enabled him to expand and maintain Bohemian influence in Europe.
Charles IV was most famous for the Bohemian Revolution. In the face of increased pressure from the Habsburgs and the papacy, he led a series of uprisings against both of them. The revolts were successful and Bohemia was granted range of self-governing privileges through the Charter of Liberties, which also gave the Czechs political autonomy. In the wake of its success, Charles IV was crowned King of Bohemia in 1347 and King of the Romans in 1355.
Charles IV was one of the most influential rulers of medieval Europe. His rule of Bohemia, the expansion of its power, and the achievement of the Bohemian Revolution made him a notable figure in Czech and European history. He is remembered as the founder of the modern Kingdom of Bohemia and father of the Czech nation. He is celebrated as an important figure in Czech culture and still revered by many. He remains an important symbol of Czech nationhood and a source of inspiration for many Czechs.
