Charles IV

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Charles IV (1316–78) Holy Roman Emperor (1355–78) and King of Bohemia (1347–78). Supported by Pope Clement VI, he was a rival of the Wittelsbach Emperor Louis IV, and when Louis died, was elected King of the Germans (Emperor-elect). A skilful diplomat, he blocked or appeased his Wittelsbach and Habsburg rivals and improved relations with the papacy. In 1356, he introduced a stable system of imperial government. He ruled from Prague, his birthplace, where he founded Charles University (1348) and built the Charles Bridge. Czech culture reached a peak under his patronage. He was succeeded by his son, Wenceslas.

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