Henry VII, Holy Roman Emperor
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Henry VII, (ca. 1275-1313) of the House of Luxembourg, was Holy Roman Emperor from 1312 to 1313 and King of the Romans from 1308 -1313. As Emperor he planned to restore the glory of the Holy Roman Empire. His son, John of Luxembourg, was elected as king of Bohemia in 1310. Henry VII then travelled to Rome to be crowned as emperor - the first since the death of Frederick II. He restored the Imperial power in parts of northern Italy, but quarrelled with the Guelphs, especially in the free cities in Tuscany. In particular, King Robert of Naples and Pope Clement V were worried about the firm Imperial policies of Henry VII.
On June 29, 1312, he was crowned in Rome as Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire. He announced a restoration of the old imperial power and fought against the anti-imperial commune of Florence. Henry wanted to punish Robert of Naples for his disloyal actions (Robert was technically Henry's vassal), but he died on August 24, 1313 near Siena. He is the famous alto Arrigo in Dante's Paradiso. Dante also alludes to him numerous times in "Purgatorio" as the savior who will bring Imperial rule back to Italy and end the inappropriate temporal control of the Church. Henry VII's success in Italy was not lasting, however, and after his death the anti-imperialist forces regained control.
The title of Emperor, disputed by rival claimants, remained vacant for most of the next decade.
Reference
- William M. Bowsky, Henry VII in Italy, 1960.
| Preceded by: Albert I | King of Germany Also Holy Roman Emperor | Succeeded by: Louis IV |