Henry III, known as Heinrich III in German, was born on 28 October 1016 and became Holy Roman Emperor from 1046 until his death in 1056. He was the eldest son of Conrad II and Gisela of Swabia, and a member of the Salian dynasty. Raised by his father, Henry was appointed Duke of Bavaria in 1026, co-ruler in 1028, and received the duchy of Swabia and the Kingdom of Burgundy in 1038. Following Conrad II's death in 1039, Henry succeeded him as Duke of Carinthia and King of Italy, continuing his father's policies that emphasized royal authority and integrity.Henry's reign began with a notable event in 1046 when he ended the papal schism and was crowned Emperor by Pope Clement II. He worked to strengthen the Vatican's authority and exerted control over the duchies, leading to conflicts in Lorraine and southern Germany. Henry's military campaigns included a failed attempt to establish dominance in Bohemia in 1040, followed by a successful campaign against Hungary in 1042, which restored Peter of Hungary to the throne.In 1043, Henry married Agnes of Poitou, and his reign was marked by efforts to consolidate power in Lorraine and Hungary. He faced rebellions from local dukes, particularly Godfrey of Upper Lorraine, and engaged in military campaigns to reassert his authority. Henry's imperial coronation in 1046 solidified his position, and he undertook various administrative reforms, appointing loyal officials to key positions across his domains.Henry's later years were characterized by military challenges, including a significant defeat in Hungary in 1051 and ongoing conflicts in Lorraine. He continued to manage internal strife and external threats, including a campaign against the rebellious Godfrey, which ultimately led to Godfrey's imprisonment. Henry's health declined in 1056, and he died on 5 October at the age of 39. His body was interred in Speyer, and his reign is noted for its attempts to unify and strengthen the empire, despite the challenges that would later arise for his successors.

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Henry III, Holy Roman Emperor