The Empire dominated Central Europe. However, it was not a unified state. In 1506, it was ruled by Maximilian I of Habsburg. The map shows a dizzying array of hundreds of principalities, bishoprics, free imperial cities, and duchies.
You might wonder why we use the term "v1506" (circa 1506) rather than just "1500." The "v" or "ca." indicates the fluidity of early modern borders. Unlike today, a territory could change hands via marriage or conquest within months. The situation in Italy was changing daily during the Italian Wars (1494–1559). map of europe v1506
A map of Europe v1506 specifically acknowledges the death of Philip the Handsome (September 1506) and the rise of Ferdinand of Aragon as regent of Castile. A map labeled simply "1500" would be slightly different—it would show the Duchy of Milan under Ludovico Sforza, whereas in 1506, Milan was under French control. The Empire dominated Central Europe