← Explore on the interactive map

Contest between Philip of Swabia and Otto IV for the Imperial Throne

Type Event Region Europe Time 1198–1208

In 1198, after the death of Henry VI without an adult heir, the electors of the Holy Roman Empire split into two camps: Philip of Swabia of the Hohen…

Timeline

  1. 1198Holy Roman Empire · Holy Roman EmpireIn spring 1198, some electors raised Philip of Swabia of the Hohenstaufen as King of Germany at Mühlhausen; in June of the same year, the other faction elected Otto of Brunswick of the Welf family at Cologne, leaving the empire in a deadlock of dual legitimacy.
  2. 1198–1201Italy · ItalyPope Innocent III negotiated with both sides in turn, finally recognizing Otto as the lawful emperor in 1201 and crowning him, while Philip controlled southern Germany and parts of Italy; the two sides vied for supremacy through military and diplomatic means.
  3. 1198–1199Holy Roman Empire · Holy Roman EmpireBetween 1198 and 1199, armed clashes erupted between the two factions in the Rhineland, Swabia, and elsewhere; the German princes took sides, the empire's central authority was severely weakened, and crusading and Italian policy fell into long-term paralysis.

Sources