Charles IV (May 14, 1316 – November 29, 1378), born Wenceslaus, is the second King of Bohemia from the House of Luxembourg, and the first King of Bohemia also to become Holy Roman Emperor.

He is the eldest son and heir of King John of Bohemia, who dies at the Battle of Crécy on 26, August 1346.

Charles inherits the County of Luxembourg and the Kingdom of Bohemia from his father.

On September 2, 1347, Charles is crowned King of Bohemia.

On July 1, 1346, prince-electors elect him King of the Romans (rex Romanorum) in opposition to Emperor Louis IV.

Charles is crowned on November 26, 1346 in Bonn.

After his opponent dies, he is reelected in 1349 (June 17) and crowned (July 25) King of the Romans.

In 1355 he was crowned King of Italy on 6 January and Holy Roman Emperor on April.

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With his coronation as King of Burgundy, delayed until June 4,1365, he becomes the personal ruler of all the kingdoms of the Holy Roman Empire.