Charles IV of Bohemia was born on May 14, 1316, and became the King of Bohemia in 1346. He was a member of the Luxembourg dynasty and is known for his significant contributions to the cultural and political landscape of Central Europe. Charles IV also became the Holy Roman Emperor in 1355, strengthening the ties between Bohemia and the empire. During his reign, Charles IV promoted education and the arts, founding Charles University in Prague in 1348, which is one of the oldest universities in Europe. He also commissioned the construction of the Charles Bridge and the St. Vitus Cathedral, enhancing Prague's status as a cultural center.