Henry IV
At a glance:
- Series: Dictionary of World Biography: Middle Ages
- Categories: Government and Politics, Royalty, Rulers, Nobility
- Subcategories: Kings, Queens, Kingdoms, Monarchy, Empires, Dynasties, Holy Roman Empire
- Curriculum: German History, Medieval History/Middle Ages
Article abstract: Henry’s struggles with the German nobility and the Papacy had a decisive impact on the future constitutional and political development of Germany. Although his tenacious defense of the rights and prerogatives of the monarchy was largely unsuccessful, it still marked him as one of the greatest of the German kings.
Early Life
Henry IV was born on November 11, 1050, the son and heir of Henry III and his wife, Agnes of Poitou. Henry was well educated for the period: He could read and write, knew Latin, and had an interest in music and...
[The entire page is 2647 words long]
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