Abstract

Bavaria, an old dukedom long ruled by the native Wittelsbach dynasty, pioneered the transformation of medieval principalities into territorial states. Duke William IV (r. 1508-1550), shown astride his horse in the woodcut below, took two important steps during his rule: he issued the territorial law [Landesordnung] of 1531 and prevented the spread of Protestantism in his duchy.

Duke William IV of Bavaria (1st half of the 16th century)

  • Erhard Schoen

Source

Source: Erhard Schoen, Portrait of Duke William IV of Bavaria, woodcut, 16th century, printed by Hans Guldenmund d.Ä. in Nuremberg. Directmedia/Zeno, http://www.zeno.org/nid/20004287134