Henry IV

Henry IV was elected King of Germany in 1056 at the age of six following the death of his father Henry III. His minority led to a regency by his mother Agnes of Poitou, which weakened royal authority.

Henry IV defeated Saxon rebels at the Battle of Langensalza on June 9, 1075. This victory temporarily suppressed the Saxon uprising and strengthened Henry's position before the Investiture Controversy escalated.

Pope Gregory VII excommunicated Henry IV in February 1076 after Henry attempted to depose the Pope. The excommunication freed Henry's subjects from their oaths of loyalty, leading to a rebellion by German princes.

In January 1077, Henry IV traveled to Canossa Castle in northern Italy to seek absolution from Pope Gregory VII after being excommunicated. He stood barefoot in the snow for three days before the Pope lifted the ban, a dramatic act of penance.

Henry IV besieged Rome three times between 1081 and 1084 to force Pope Gregory VII to recognize his authority. He captured the city in 1084 and was crowned emperor by Antipope Clement III, but Gregory VII fled to Salerno.