Charles V: The Holy Roman Emperor (1500 - 1558)

Charles V, born in 1500, ascended to the throne of the Holy Roman Empire in 1519 at the age of 19. He played a significant role in European politics and religious affairs during the tumultuous period of the Reformation. Charles V's reign was marked by conflicts with Protestant reformers, including Martin Luther, as well as wars against the Ottoman Empire and other European powers. He abdicated the throne in 1556, retiring to a monastery, and passed away in 1558, leaving behind a complex legacy of religious and political struggles. Charles V's efforts to maintain the unity of the Holy Roman Empire and combat the spread of Protestantism profoundly shaped the course of European history during the Counter-Reformation era.