Germany: Rupert (1352-1410), King of Germany, from the book Romanorvm imperatorvm effigies: elogijs ex diuersis scriptoribus per Thomam Treteru S. Mariae Transtyberim canonicum collectis, 1583

Rupert (1352-1410), also known as Rupert of the Palatinate and Rupert the Gentle, was the son of Elector Palatine Rupert II and a distant relative of Emperor Louis IV. He succeeded his father as Elector Palatine in 1398, and was declared King of Germany in 1400 by his fellow prince-electors, deposing King Wenceslaus.

Rupert lacked a solid power base within the Holy Roman Empire, his rule contested by the House of Luxembourg, King Wenceslaus' house, who refused to recognise his dethronement but took no direct action against Rupert. He marched into Italy in 1401, hoping to be crowned Holy Roman Emperor, but his soldiers deserted him during wintertime, and he had to return to Germany in 1402, too poor to continue the campaign.

Rupert would not find recognition and success until Wenceslaus was arrested by his brother Sigismund later that year. Pope Boniface IX finally deigned to recognise his crowning in 1403. Even then, he still faced numerous conflicts and had to make various concessions to prevent himself from being overthrown. Rupert died in 1410.

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