| Notes |
- Heinrich IV Emperor Of Germany became king of Germany at the age of six. The
nobles revolted while his mother served as regent. When he took control of the
kingdom in 1069, he tried to establish his authority throughout Germany. But he
came into conflict with Pope Gregory VII. In 1075, Gregory denied civil rulers
the authority to make appointments to church offices. In response, Henry
called a council which met at Worms in 1076 and declared the pope disposed.
Gregory in turn expelled Henry from the church and released his subjects from
allegiance to him.
After a long struggle, Henry had to yield. Pope Gregory had retired to a
stronghold at Canossa in the Apennines. It is said that Henry had to stand
barefoot in the snow for three days before he was permitted to kneel at the
pope's feet and be pardoned. But after his return to Germany, Henry renewed
the struggle. For years his country was torn by civil war. In 1084, he
captured Rome and replaced Gregory with a pope he had chosen. Gregory died in
exile soon afterward, but his successors took up the contest. One of them
again expelled Henry from the church. Finally, in 1105, Henry was forced to
abdicate after one of his sons had been persuaded to rebel against him. Henry
died while preparing for war.
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Reference:
"The World Book Encyclopedia", 1968, p H182.
Divorced 14 August 1089
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1050 - 1106 (55 years)
, d. 21 Dec 1087 (Age 36 years)