Definition of Henry
the name of seven kings of the Germans, six of whom were also Holy Roman Emperors. Henry I (circa 876–936), reigned 919–936; known as Henry the Fowler. He waged war successfully against the Slavs in Brandenburg, the Magyars, and the Danes. Henry II (973–1024), reigned 1002–24; Holy Roman Emperor 1014–24; also known as Saint Henry. Henry III (1017–56), reigned 1039–56; Holy Roman Emperor 1046–56. He brought stability and prosperity to the empire, defeating the Czechs and fixing the frontier between Austria and Hungary. Henry IV (1050–1106), son of Henry III; reigned 1056–1105; Holy Roman Emperor 1084–1105. Increasing conflict with Pope Gregory VII led Henry to call a council in 1076 to depose the pope, who excommunicated Henry. Henry V (1086–1125), reigned 1099–1125; Holy Roman Emperor 1111–25. Henry VI (1165–97), reigned 1169–97; Holy Roman Emperor 1191–97. Henry VII (circa 1269/74-1313), reigned 1308–13; Holy Roman Emperor 1312–13.
