Conrad III, king of Germany (b. 1093)

Conrad III, known in German as Konrad and in Italian as Corrado, was a pivotal figure in the 12th-century Holy Roman Empire. Born in either 1093 or 1094, he reigned as King of the Romans from 1138 until his death on February 15, 1152. As a prominent member of the powerful Hohenstaufen dynasty, his political career was characterized by complex power struggles and dynastic rivalries that ultimately saw him establish his family as the dominant force in the Empire.

Early Rise: Duke of Franconia and the Anti-King Period

Conrad's initial significant political role began between 1116 and 1120 when he served as the Duke of Franconia. This duchy, strategically located in the heart of the East Frankish Kingdom, was a crucial territory within the Holy Roman Empire, indicating his early prominence and influence among the German nobility.

However, a more tumultuous period followed. From 1127 to 1135, Conrad was a formidable anti-king in opposition to his predecessor, Lothair III. The concept of an "anti-king" was common in the Holy Roman Empire during contested successions, particularly when powerful noble factions supported rival claimants to the throne. Conrad’s claim was deeply rooted in his familial ties; he was backed by the Hohenstaufen, a powerful ducal house that stood in direct rivalry with the Welfs who supported Lothair. This period marked a significant escalation in the bitter Staufer-Welf rivalry, a conflict that would profoundly shape German politics for decades. Conrad's efforts during this time were a direct challenge to Lothair's authority, demonstrating his ambition and the strong dynastic support he commanded, despite his eventual submission to Lothair in 1135.

Accession to the Throne and Reign as King of the Romans

Following the death of Lothair III in 1137, the political landscape shifted, paving the way for Conrad's legitimate ascension. In 1138, Conrad III was elected and crowned King in the Holy Roman Empire, a title often referred to as King of the Romans. This marked a decisive victory for the Hohenstaufen dynasty, establishing their direct rule over the Empire. He held this prestigious position until his death in 1152, effectively consolidating Hohenstaufen power and laying the groundwork for the later imperial might of his successors, most notably his nephew Frederick I Barbarossa.

Despite being King of the Romans, Conrad III was never crowned Holy Roman Emperor by the Pope, a common ambition for medieval German kings that required an expedition to Rome. His reign, however, was instrumental in facing continuous internal challenges, particularly from the Welfs led by Henry the Proud and later Henry the Lion. Furthermore, Conrad III undertook the Second Crusade (1147–1149) alongside Louis VII of France, a significant but ultimately unsuccessful European undertaking that demonstrated the breadth of his international influence and his role as a leading Christian monarch.

Illustrious Lineage: The Salian and Hohenstaufen Connection

Conrad III's distinguished lineage was a cornerstone of his claim to power and a key factor in the dynastic struggles of his era. He was the son of Duke Frederick I of Swabia, a staunch supporter of the Salian emperors and a key figure in the rise of the Hohenstaufen family. His mother was Agnes, a daughter of the formidable Salian Emperor Henry IV. This direct maternal link to the Salian dynasty, which had previously ruled the Holy Roman Empire for over a century (from 1024 to 1125), provided Conrad with a strong claim to the imperial succession. It positioned him as a direct heir to a revered imperial line, strengthening his legitimacy against rivals like Lothair III, who had no such direct Salian connection. This blend of powerful Hohenstaufen and legitimate Salian heritage made Conrad a formidable and historically significant claimant to the imperial throne.

Frequently Asked Questions about Conrad III

Who was Conrad III?

Conrad III was the first Hohenstaufen king of the Holy Roman Empire, reigning from 1138 until 1152. He previously served as Duke of Franconia and was an anti-king to Lothair III before his legitimate ascension to the throne, playing a critical role in establishing the Hohenstaufen dynasty.

What was the Hohenstaufen dynasty?

The Hohenstaufen dynasty was a powerful medieval German noble family that produced several Holy Roman Emperors and Kings of the Romans from the 12th to 13th centuries. Originating from Swabia, they significantly shaped the political landscape of the Holy Roman Empire, known for their imperial ambitions and conflicts with the Papacy.

Why was Conrad III called an "anti-king"?

Conrad III was an anti-king between 1127 and 1135 because he was elected by a faction of nobles, primarily his Hohenstaufen kinsmen, as a rival claimant to the throne against the reigning King Lothair III. This was a common occurrence during periods of contested succession and civil strife in the Holy Roman Empire, often fueled by dynastic rivalries like the Staufer-Welf conflict.

Was Conrad III ever Holy Roman Emperor?

No, Conrad III was never crowned Holy Roman Emperor by the Pope. He held the title of King of the Romans, which implied the right to be crowned Emperor, but he died before achieving the imperial coronation in Rome. His successors, most notably his nephew Frederick Barbarossa, did become emperors.

What was Conrad III's relationship to Emperor Henry IV?

Conrad III was the grandson of the powerful Salian Emperor Henry IV through his mother, Agnes. This direct maternal lineage provided him with a strong, legitimate claim to the imperial throne and significantly bolstered his standing during his struggle for power against rival candidates like Lothair III, who lacked such a direct link to the revered Salian line.

What significant military campaigns did Conrad III undertake?

Beyond his internal conflicts within the Holy Roman Empire against the Welfs, Conrad III notably co-led the Second Crusade (1147–1149) to the Holy Land alongside King Louis VII of France. Although a major international undertaking for him, the crusade ultimately ended in failure.