# Charles IV dies without a male heir (1328)

URL: https://history-france.com/timeline/1328-charles-iv-dies-without-a-male-heir
Location: France

The direct Capetian line ended and competing succession principles produced a Valois king. Within the broader Late Medieval France period, The Valois kingdom endured the Hundred Years’ War, plague, civil conflict and English occupation before recovering under Charles VII and Louis XI. Military and fiscal reforms strengthened the crown by the late fifteenth century. At this point in the timeline, the relevant governing authority is Philip VI (King of France). Charles IV dies without a male heir mattered because succession and legitimacy shaped alliances, institutions and the direction of state policy. The event is positioned here so visitors can read it alongside changes in government, warfare, society, religion, culture and France’s wider international setting.

## Why it matters
Charles IV dies without a male heir mattered because succession and legitimacy shaped alliances, institutions and the direction of state policy.

Ruler at the time: [Philip VI](https://history-france.com/rulers/philip-vi)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia topic lookup — Charles IV dies without a male heir](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Search?search=Charles+IV+dies+without+a+male+heir&go=Go)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica topic lookup — Charles IV dies without a male heir](https://www.britannica.com/search?query=Charles+IV+dies+without+a+male+heir)
- [Wikipedia — Timeline of French history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timeline_of_French_history)