Louis IV

MedievalEmperorHoly Roman Empire1282 — 1347

Wittelsbach emperor who defied the Pope.

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Quick Facts

Born

1282

Died

1347

Country

Holy Roman Empire

Era

Medieval

Occupation

Emperor

Score Overview

Military (10%)10

Political (20%)45

Influence (20%)53

Legacy (20%)46

Leadership (15%)66

Strategy (15%)43

Total Score46.5

Louis IV — Complete Timeline

1314 AD

Elected King of GermanyPolitical Action◆ Major

Louis IV of Bavaria was elected King of Germany by a faction of prince-electors, opposing Frederick the Fair. This election was part of a double election that led to a civil war between the Wittelsbach and Habsburg dynasties.

ElectionWittelsbachDouble Election

Impact: regional

1322 AD

Defeated Frederick the Fair at the Battle of MühldorfWar◆ Major

Louis IV of Bavaria defeated Frederick the Fair at the Battle of M

BattleWittelsbachVictory

Impact: regional

1328 AD

Crowned Holy Roman Emperor by the Roman PeoplePolitical Action

Louis IV of Bavaria was crowned Holy Roman Emperor in Rome by the Roman people, defying Pope John XXII who had excommunicated him. This act asserted imperial authority over the Papacy and led to a prolonged conflict with the Avignon Papacy.

CoronationPapal ConflictImperial Authority

Impact: global

1338 AD

Issued the Declaration of RhensePolitical Action◆ Major

Louis IV of Bavaria issued the Declaration of Rhense, which stated that the German king's election by the prince-electors alone conferred imperial authority without papal approval. This declaration strengthened the independence of the Holy Roman Empire from the Papacy.

DeclarationImperial IndependencePapacy

Impact: regionalconstructive