Charles V

Charles V, born on February 24, 1500, and died on September 21, 1558, was a major European sovereign. Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire and King of Spain, he reigned from 1519 to 1556, profoundly marking European history.

Charles V, full name Charles of Habsburg, also known as Charles I of Spain, was one of the most powerful monarchs of his time. Born in Ghent, he inherited an empire that included territories in Europe, America, and Asia. His reign from 1519 to 1556 was marked by continual military conflicts, notably against France and the Ottoman Empire, as well as the onset of the Protestant Reformation. Charles V is also famous for his voluntary abdication, after which he retired to the monastery of Yuste in Spain. His governance had a lasting impact on European and global politics, influencing the arts, religion, and international relations.