Wenceslas IV Characters

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26 February 1361 - 16 August 1419
Wenceslas IV, son of Charles IV and brother of Sigismund of Luxembourg, inherited the throne of Bohemia and the Holy Roman Empire, but was not nearly as successful a politician as his father. He was criticised for his rule and behaviour during his lifetime. Despite being prepared for leadership since childhood, he was plagued by many illnesses and later preferred spending time in leisure rather than fulfilling his duties.
This led to many conflicts and wars, especially with his relatives. With his cousins Jobst and Prokop of Luxembourg he fought the so-called Margraviate Wars over estates in Moravia, and with his brother Sigismund he fought for sovereignty. His legitimacy as king was repeatedly questioned by the nobility. Because of his unwillingness to keep his commitments, he was even captured - first by the Bohemian nobility, and then by his brother Sigismund.
Wenceslas initially supported the reformist proposals of Jan Hus, but later sided with the Pope. In effect, he allowed the largest civil uprising in Europe - the Hussite Wars - to break out, which he did not live to see, as he died in 1419. After his death, Sigismund took the crown.

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