# Declaration of Rhense (1338)

URL: https://germany-history.com/timeline/1338-declaration-of-rhense
Location: Rhens
Categories: main-event

In 1338, amid Louis IV's conflict with the papacy, the prince-electors declared that a king elected by them needed no papal confirmation. The decision asserted German royal independence from Rome. It anticipated the Golden Bull.

## Why it matters
It separated the German kingship from papal authority.

Ruler at the time: [Louis IV the Bavarian](https://germany-history.com/rulers/louis-iv-the-bavarian)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia – Declaration of Rhense](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Declaration_of_Rhense)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica – Declaration of Rhense](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Declaration-of-Rhens)