Henry Raspe, Landgrave of Thuringia (b. 1204)

Henry Raspe (German: Heinrich Raspe), born around 1204 and passing away on February 16, 1247, was a prominent figure in 13th-century Central European politics. His career was marked by his significant role as the Landgrave of Thuringia and his brief, yet impactful, bid for the German throne as an anti-king.

Landgrave of Thuringia: A Powerful Regional Ruler

From 1231 until 1239, and again from 1241 until his death, Henry Raspe served as the Landgrave of Thuringia. This title designated him as the sovereign ruler of a strategically vital principality within the Holy Roman Empire, a complex political entity spanning much of Central Europe. During his initial period of rule, Raspe also acted as regent for his young nephew, Hermann II. Following Hermann II's premature death, Henry Raspe formally reassumed control of the Landgraviate in 1241, consolidating his authority over the region amidst the broader political instability of the era. His administrative tenure laid the groundwork for his later, more ambitious, political endeavors.

The Papal-Imperial Conflict and Henry Raspe's Elevation to King

The mid-13th century was defined by a fierce and prolonged power struggle between the Papacy and the Hohenstaufen emperors. Pope Innocent IV, a staunch opponent of the Hohenstaufen dynasty, particularly Emperor Frederick II and his son Conrad IV, sought to curb their extensive power, especially in Italy. Following the excommunication and formal deposition of Emperor Frederick II by Pope Innocent IV in 1245, the Papacy actively encouraged the German princes to elect a rival king. This critical juncture presented Henry Raspe with an extraordinary opportunity. In 1246, with the unwavering backing and substantial political influence of the Papacy, a coalition of German archbishops and other ecclesiastical princes, deeply disaffected with the Hohenstaufen rule, elected Henry Raspe as the new King of Germany. This election, which took place near Würzburg, was a direct and potent challenge to the legitimacy and authority of Conrad IV, who was then the reigning German king and the son of the deposed Emperor Frederick II.

The "Priest King": A Contested and Brief Reign

Henry Raspe's ascension to the German throne was immediately met with strong opposition. He was pejoratively dubbed the "Pfaffenkönig," or "Priest King," by his Hohenstaufen adversaries, a label reflecting the decisive papal support that facilitated his election. To validate his claim, King Henry Raspe had to resort to military force. His most significant triumph occurred in August 1246, when his forces achieved a decisive victory over those of Conrad IV near Nidda, a battle that temporarily bolstered his precarious position. Despite this initial success, his reign as an anti-king lasted a mere nine months. While actively campaigning to solidify his control and besieging cities loyal to the Hohenstaufens, Henry Raspe fell ill, possibly due to dysentery or wounds sustained in battle. He died on February 16, 1247, at Wartburg Castle near Eisenach, bringing an abrupt end to his challenge for imperial supremacy.

Legacy: The Thuringian War of Succession

Henry Raspe's untimely death without direct male heirs had profound and immediate consequences for his home territory. It triggered the devastating Thuringian War of Succession (1247–1264), a protracted conflict that profoundly reshaped the political landscape of Thuringia and surrounding regions. This bloody succession crisis ultimately led to the partition of the Landgraviate of Thuringia, further illustrating the fragmentation of power during the "Interregnum" period in the Holy Roman Empire. His short but impactful reign as an anti-king remains a crucial chapter in the complex narrative of 13th-century German history, symbolizing the intense rivalry between spiritual and temporal powers.

Frequently Asked Questions About Henry Raspe

What was Henry Raspe's primary title before becoming King of Germany?

Before his election as King of Germany, Henry Raspe was the Landgrave of Thuringia, a powerful princely title within the Holy Roman Empire.

Why was Henry Raspe called the "Priest King" (Pfaffenkönig)?

He earned the derogatory nickname "Pfaffenkönig" (Priest King) from his opponents because his election as King of Germany was primarily orchestrated and heavily supported by the Papacy, particularly Pope Innocent IV, in opposition to the Hohenstaufen dynasty.

Who did Henry Raspe oppose as King of Germany?

As King of Germany, Henry Raspe was an anti-king in opposition to Conrad IV, who was the legitimate reigning German king and the son of the deposed Hohenstaufen Emperor Frederick II.

How long did Henry Raspe reign as King of Germany?

Henry Raspe's contested reign as King of Germany lasted a relatively short period of just nine months, from his election in 1246 until his death in February 1247.

What was the immediate consequence of Henry Raspe's death?

His death without direct male heirs immediately sparked the Thuringian War of Succession (1247–1264), a lengthy conflict over the control of the Landgraviate of Thuringia that significantly altered the region's political map.