Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor
1500-1558 · Flemish/Spanish (Ghent / everywhere) · Renaissance, Reformation
Known for: Ruled the largest European empire since Charlemagne—fought the Reformation and the Ottomans simultaneously
Charles ruled Spain, the Netherlands, Austria, parts of Italy, and the Americas—the largest European empire since Rome. He fought Martin Luther, the French, and the Ottomans simultaneously. Exhausted, he abdicated in 1556 and retired to a monastery.
Browse all 1,000 figures by category
Enable JavaScript to view the full "if they lived today" Q&A and personality profile.