Louis IV of Legnica (Polish: Ludwik IV legnicki; Brzeg, 19 April 1616 – Legnica, 24 November 1663), was a Duke of Brzeg since 1633 (together with his brothers until 1654), of Wołów (during 1653-1654 with his brothers) and Legnica since 1653 (until 1654 with his brothers, after this alone).
He was the fifth but second surviving son of John Christian, Duke of Brzeg-Legnica-Wołów-Oława, by his first wife Dorothea Sybille, daughter of John George, Elector of Brandenburg.
After the death of his father in 1639, Louis IV and his younger brother Christian inherited Brzeg and Oława together with their oldest brother George III, who was appointed administrator of the Duchies by the Emperor six years before. After the death of his uncle George Rudolf in 1653 without issue, the brothers inherited his lands of Legnica and Wołów. One year later (1654) they decided to made the division of their domains: Louis IV obtain Legnica, George III retain Brzeg and Christian received the small towns of Oława and Wołów.
In Brzeg on 8 May 1649, Louis IV married with Anna Sophie (b. Harzgerode, 29 September 1628 - d. Prochowice, 10 February 1666), daughter of John Albert II, Duke of Mecklenburg-Güstrow by his third wife Eleonore Maria of Anhalt-Bernburg, first cousin of Louis IV's father John Christian; in consencuence, both spouses are second cousins. They had one son:
After his death without surviving issue, Louis IV was succeeded by his brothers George III and Christian; however, George III died soon after, and Christian reunited all their lands under his rule.
Preceded by John Christian |
Duke of Brzeg with George III and Christian 1633–1654 |
Succeeded by George III |
Duke of Oława with George III and Christian 1633–1654 |
Succeeded by Christian |
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Preceded by George Rudolf |
Duke of Wołów with George III and Christian 1653–1654 |
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Duke of Legnica with Louis IV and Christian (until 1654) 1653–1663 |
Succeeded by George III and Christian |