Henry V

Reign: 1111 – 1125
Life: 1086–1125

He was made co-ruler by his father, Henry IV, in 1098. In Emperor Henry IV's conflicts with the imperial princes and the struggle against the reform papacy during the Investiture Controversy, young Henry V allied himself with the opponents of his father. He forced Henry IV to abdicate on 31 December 1105 and ruled for five years in compliance with the imperial princes. He tried, unsuccessfully, to withdraw the regalia from the bishops. Then in order to at least preserve the previous right to invest, he captured Pope Paschal II and forced him to perform his imperial coronation in 1111. After he had failed to increase control over the church, the princes in Saxony and on the Middle and Lower Rhine, in 1121 the imperial princes forced Henry V to consent with the papacy.

During Henry V's reign, Inge the Younger ruled Sweden, Alexios I Komnenos ruled Rome, and Henry I of England ruled England.

Want to learn more? Further reading

The Holy Roman Empire by Peter H. Wilson

Some book links on this site point to Amazon. As an Amazon Associate, WhoWasRuling.com may earn from qualifying purchases.

The World During Their Reign

The most notable rulers who held power elsewhere at the same time, from European courts to Ottoman, Mughal, and Chinese thrones.

Meanwhile in history

One “meanwhile in history” story each week: who ruled where, and what was happening on thrones across the world.

By subscribing you agree to receive emails from us. See our Privacy Policy. Unsubscribe any time.

From the library

Go deeper on Henry V

Hand-picked histories and biographies for readers who want more than the timeline: the same era, told in full.

The Holy Roman Empire

Peter H. Wilson

Salian Henry V, investiture, Italy, and the Concordat of Worms in Wilson's imperial history.

Find this book on Amazon