Henry IV

                   SOURCES:
    Fusa Bygdebok Norse Family Saga (FHL 929.2481 K831a) World Book Encyclopedia

NOTES:
    Henry IV 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 deposed. 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 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. His son, Henry V (1081-1125) succeeded him and ruled Germany from 1106-1125.