Ferdinand IV, King of the Romans facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ferdinand IV |
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Portrait by Frans Luycx, c. 1647-68
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| King of the Romans | |
| Reign | 31 May 1653 - 9 July 1654 |
| Predecessor | Ferdinand III |
| Successor | Ferdinand III |
| Co-ruler | Ferdinand III |
| King of Hungary and Croatia | |
| Reign | 16 June 1647 - 9 July 1654 |
| Predecessor | Ferdinand III |
| Successor | Ferdinand III |
| Co-ruler | Ferdinand III |
| Born | 8 September 1633 Vienna, Archduchy of Austria, Holy Roman Empire |
| Died | 9 July 1654 (aged 20) Vienna, Archduchy of Austria, Holy Roman Empire |
| House | Habsburg |
| Father | Ferdinand III, Holy Roman Emperor |
| Mother | Maria Anna of Spain |
| Religion | Roman Catholicism |
Ferdinand IV was a young European ruler who lived in the 1600s. He was born on September 8, 1633, and passed away on July 9, 1654. During his short life, he gained several important titles.
He became the King of Bohemia in 1646. A year later, in 1647, he was crowned King of Hungary and Croatia. His most significant title came in 1653 when he was made King of the Romans. This title meant he was expected to become the next Holy Roman Emperor. He also held the title of Duke of Cieszyn.
Early Life and Family
Ferdinand IV was born in a city called Vienna. This was on September 8, 1633. His full name at birth was Ferdinand Franz.
He was the oldest son of Ferdinand III, Holy Roman Emperor. His mother was Maria Anna of Spain. She was the daughter of Philip III of Spain, making Ferdinand IV part of a very important royal family.
Becoming a King
Even when he was quite young, Ferdinand IV started taking on royal duties. He became the Archduke of Austria, which was an important title in his family.
In 1646, he became King of Bohemia. He shared this role with his father, Emperor Ferdinand III. He was officially crowned King of Bohemia on August 5, 1646. He also shared the title of Duke of Cieszyn with his father.
Ferdinand IV also became King of Hungary and Croatia. His coronation for these kingdoms happened on June 16, 1647. This special event took place in a city called Pressburg, which is now known as Bratislava in Slovakia.
King of the Romans
The title of King of the Romans was very important. It meant you were the chosen heir to become the next Holy Roman Emperor. Emperor Ferdinand III wanted his son, Ferdinand IV, to have this title.
There was a time when France tried to change how the King of the Romans was chosen. But Emperor Ferdinand III was smart. He used a moment when France's power was a bit weaker. This allowed him to make sure Ferdinand IV was chosen.
Ferdinand IV officially became King of the Romans on May 31, 1653. He was crowned in a city called Ratisbon (now Regensburg in Germany) on June 18, 1653. This meant he was expected to rule the Holy Roman Empire next.
Unexpected End
Sadly, Ferdinand IV's life was cut short. He unexpectedly passed away in Vienna on July 9, 1654. He died from a serious illness called smallpox.
Before he died, there were plans for him to get married. He was going to marry his cousin, Maria Theresa of Spain. She was the daughter of Philip IV of Spain.
Because Ferdinand IV died young, he never became the Holy Roman Emperor. When his father, Ferdinand III, passed away later, Leopold I was chosen as the next Holy Roman Emperor instead.
See also
In Spanish: Fernando IV de Hungría para niños
