Ludwig IV, also known as Ludwig the Bavarian, was the Holy Roman Emperor from 1314 until his death in 1347. He was born in 1282 and became the Duke of Bavaria in 1294. His reign was marked by conflicts with the Pope and rival claimants to the throne, particularly Frederick the Beautiful. Ludwig IV was a key figure in the Hundred Years' War and sought to strengthen the authority of the emperor. He was crowned in Aachen and worked to consolidate his power in Germany. His reign faced challenges, including political fragmentation and disputes with the Church.