Rudolph IV, Prince of Anhalt-Dessau

Rudolph IV, Prince of Anhalt-Dessau, "the Brave" (around 1466 – Verona, 7 September 1510), was a German prince of the House of Ascania, ruler of the principality of Anhalt-Dessau and an army commander.

Biography He was the fifth son of George I, Prince of Anhalt-Dessau, as the fourth-born child of his fourth wife Anna, daughter of Albert VIII, Count of Lindau-Ruppin.

The last of his father's sons to survive adulthood, Rudolph succeeded him in 1474 as co-ruler of the principality of Anhalt-Dessau with his older brothers Ernest I, George II, and Sigismund III.

After receiving an education befitting his rank, Rudolph entered the court of Maximilian I of Austria around 1485 which enhanced the prestige of the Principality of Anhalt. In 1486, he was present at Maximilian's coronation in Aachen and was knighted. He subsequently fought alongside Maximilian as a mercenary leader against the Flemish Revolt and was taken prisoner with him in Bruges in 1488. Rudolph was among the hostages who had to remain in Flemish captivity as collateral for the release of Maximilian, but was released from captivity upon the arrival of a German army under Emperor Frederick III.

Rudolph never married or had any children. Upon his death, Rudolph was succeeded by his only surviving brother, Ernest I.