Louis IV of Bavaria
A Wittelsbach emperor whose struggle for the German crown led to a prolonged conflict with the papacy. His reign reflected the political divisions of the fourteenth-century Holy Roman Empire.
This complete profile is available in English. Bibliographic titles retain their original language. Links marked ES open the Spanish edition.
Key details
Birth: 1282 Documented
Death: 11 October 1347 Documented
Role: Emperor
Dynasty: Wittelsbach · ES
Territories: Germany (ES) · Bavaria (ES) · Holy Roman Empire (ES)
Recorded relationships
Their titles over time
Follow the changing territories and offices of Louis IV of Bavaria. Each title retains its own status.
Governments in 1328
- BavariaDuke
View titles and jurisdictions
- Bavaria · ESDuke · Effective rule1294–1347
- Holy Roman Empire (Germany)2 titles and offices
View titles and jurisdictions
- Germany · ESKing of the Romans · Effective rule1314–1347
- Holy Roman Empire · ESEmperor · Effective rule1328–1347
Annual dates: overlap within one year does not prove that two offices were held on the same day. Regencies and co-rulerships retain their labels.
Sources for this profile
- Deutsche Nationalbibliothek · GND authority record · Ludwig IV., der Bayer, Heiliges Römisches Reich, Kaiser
- Encyclopaedia Britannica
Biographical and contextual references in their original language. Sources and methodology.
Evidence for this profile
9 recorded claims · 4 without a claim-specific source. Context references do not by themselves verify every fact.
Dates (2/2 with a precise source)
- BirthDocumented
1282
The authority record gives the birth as 1282. - DeathDocumented
11 October 1347
The authority record gives the death as 1347-10-11.
Family and relationships (2/4 with a precise source)
- FatherPending review
Louis II of Bavaria
A precise source has not yet been added. - MotherPending review
Matilda of Habsburg
A precise source has not yet been added. - Marriage or partnershipDocumented
Beatrice of Silesia
The authority record identifies Beatrice of Silesia (GND 136803660) as spouse. - Marriage or partnershipDocumented
Margaret II of Hainaut
The authority record identifies Margaret II of Hainaut (GND 121735362) as spouse.
Governments (1/3 with a precise source)
- GovernmentPending review
Duke · Bavaria · 1294–1347
A precise source has not yet been added. - GovernmentPending review
King of the Romans · Germany · 1314–1347
A precise source has not yet been added. - GovernmentDocumented
Emperor · Holy Roman Empire · 1328–1347
The authority record dates this office to 1328–1347.
Biographical and contextual references (2)
Editorial history
- 2026-10-12 · Claim registry added; existing historical data kept. Specific sourcing remains to be reviewed.
- 2026-10-08 · Claim registry added; existing historical data kept. Specific sourcing remains to be reviewed.
- 2026-10-04 · Claim registry added; existing historical data kept. Specific sourcing remains to be reviewed.
- 2026-10-04 · Claim registry added; existing historical data kept. Specific sourcing remains to be reviewed.
- 2026-10-03 · Claim registry added; existing historical data kept. Specific sourcing remains to be reviewed.
- 2026-09-30 · The duchy is limited to Dijon and Autun; each other fief now enters the map only under its dated ruler. John III of Namur and the Nevers/Rethel branch were added. The previous shape combined later counties and unrelated lands as if all belonged to the duchy from 1363.
- 2026-09-28 · Claim registry added; existing historical data kept. Specific sourcing remains to be reviewed.
Follow this person through history
More paths from Louis IV of Bavaria
Family
Louis II of Bavaria · ESDuke1229 – 1294
Matilda of Habsburg · ESConsort1253 – 1304Beatrice of Silesia · ESConsort1290 – 1322Margaret II of Hainaut · ESConsort1310 – 1356Stephen II of Bavaria · ESDuke1319 – 1375Anna of Upper Bavaria · ESConsort
