Henry (Germany)

Henry (Germany), name of 7 kings of Germany, 6 of whom were also Holy Roman emperors. Henry I, or Henry the Fowler (c.876–936), reigned 919–36. He established Germany as a new kingdom. Henry II (973–1024) reigned 1002–24 and was emperor from 1014. By political astuteness he ensured secular and clerical support. He was canonized in 1146; his feast day is July 15th. Henry III (1017–56) reigned 1039–56 and was emperor 1046–56. During his reign the Holy Roman Empire was probably at its greatest power and unity. He carried out important papal reforms. Henry IV (1050–1106) reigned 1056–1105 and was emperor 1084–1105. He deposed Pope Gregory VII, but Gregory excommunicated him, and Henry yielded to papal authority at Canossa in Italy in 1077. Gregory then supported a rival king of Germany, and Henry replaced him with the antipope Clement III. He captured Rome in 1084 and was crowned emperor. After 2 sons rebelled against him, he was forced to abdicate in favor of his son Henry V. Henry V (1081–1125) reigned 1105–25, as emperor 1111–25. He unified Germany and continued Henry IV's struggle against the papacy. Henry VI (1165–1197) reigned 1190–97, as emperor from 1191. He was made king of Sicily in 1194. He died before being able to implement plans to invade the Holy Land. Henry VII (c.1275–1313) reigned 1308–13, as emperor from 1312. He invaded Italy in 1310 in an abortive attempt to make it the base of imperial power.