The High and Late Middle Ages

Section 2: The Holy Roman Empire and the

Church

The Holy Roman Empire

► Otto I became the first Holy Roman emperor when the pope crowned him as thanks for his support.

► The Holy Roman emperors never truly controlled their vassals and often fought with the Church over the power to appoint bishops and abbots.

The Feud Between Pope and Emperor

► Holy Roman emperor Henry IV and Pope Gregory VII struggled over the practice of lay investiture until they accepted the treaty called the Concordat of Worms.

The Struggle for Italy

► During the 1100s and 1200s, German emperors, such as Frederick Barbarosa and his grandson Frederick II, tried to take control of Italy against the wishes of the Church.

Church Power Reaches Its Height

► Beginning with Innocent III, popes began to claim supremacy over all other rulers.

► They used the powers of excommunication and interdiction to gain the upper hand.