WHI-Chap20-Holy Roman Emperor Henry IV

Holy Roman Emperor Henry IV (1056-1106 CE) challenged Pope Gregory VII's new rule that appointing bishops, advisors to the king as well as religious officials, was to be done by the church rather than the emperors. His defying the pope's new policy helped cause the pope to excommunicate him and release his subjects from their duty to obey him as emperor during the Investiture Controversy. When he was accepted back into the church, his power diminished and the regional princes gained more control.

Created by: Haley Cambra WHI Second Semester Home