Ferdinand I of the Holy Roman Empire was born on July 10, 1503, in the Kingdom of Bohemia. He became the Holy Roman Emperor in 1558 and ruled until his death in 1564. Ferdinand was a member of the Habsburg dynasty and played a significant role in the politics of Central Europe during the Reformation. As a ruler, Ferdinand I focused on maintaining stability within his diverse empire, which included territories like Austria, Bohemia, and Hungary. He was known for his efforts to promote religious tolerance and sought to balance the interests of both Catholics and Protestants during a time of significant religious conflict.