Henry VII (Holy Roman Empire)

Henry VII (Holy Roman Empire), called Henry of Luxembourg (c. 1275-1313), King of Germany (1308-1313) and Holy Roman Emperor (1312-1313), first of the line of Luxembourg, born in Buonconvento, Italy. On the death of Emperor Albert I, in 1308, he was elected by the German princes to succeed him. In 1310 he entered Italy; he was crowned king of the Lombards the following year and Holy Roman emperor in 1312. While in Italy he attempted to end the strife between the Guelphs and the Ghibellines. Declaring himself to be impartial, he secured the homage of both factions; but the Guelphs soon rebelled, and Henry was forced to side with the Ghibellines. Allied with Frederick II, king of Sicily, in 1313 Henry was preparing an attack on the Guelph leader Robert, Duke of Anjou and king of Naples, when he died. He was succeeded as emperor by Louis IV.