Henry Raspe facts for kids

Henry Raspe (born around 1204 – died February 16, 1247) was an important ruler in medieval Germany. He was the Landgrave of Thuringia from 1231 to 1239, and again from 1241 until his death. A Landgrave was like a powerful count or duke who ruled a large area of land. In 1246, with strong support from the Papacy (the Pope and the Church), he was chosen as the King of Germany. This was a big deal because the King of Germany was usually the next Holy Roman Emperor. However, Henry Raspe's time as king was short, lasting only about nine months, because he was chosen in opposition to another king, Conrad IV.

Early Life and Rise to Power

Henry Raspe was born around 1204. His parents were Hermann I, Landgrave of Thuringia, and Sophia of Wittelsbach.

A big change happened in 1226. Henry's brother, Louis IV, Landgrave of Thuringia, died while traveling for a religious war called the Sixth Crusade. Because Louis's son, Hermann II, Landgrave of Thuringia, was too young to rule, Henry became his guardian and temporary ruler.

However, Henry managed to remove his young nephew and the boy's mother, St. Elisabeth of Hungary, from the line of succession. This meant they could no longer inherit the title. Around 1231, Henry officially took over from his brother as the Landgrave of Thuringia.

Becoming King

In 1242, Henry Raspe was chosen by Emperor Frederick II to help rule Germany. He did this alongside King Wenceslaus I of Bohemia. Their job was to manage Germany for Frederick's young son, Conrad.

But things changed in 1245. The Pope, Pope Innocent IV, had a big disagreement with Emperor Frederick II. The Pope even put a "ban" on Frederick, which was a serious punishment from the Church. Because of this, Henry Raspe switched sides and supported the Pope.

On May 22, 1246, with strong encouragement from the Pope, Henry was elected as an "anti-king." This meant he was chosen to be king in opposition to Conrad IV, who was already king. People sometimes called Henry the "Pfaffenkönig" (which means "priests' king") because the Pope pushed so hard for his election.

In August 1246, Henry's forces won a battle against Conrad's army near Nidda in southern Hesse. After this victory, he tried to take over the cities of Ulm and Reutlingen. Sadly, Henry was badly wounded during these events. He died on February 16, 1247, at Wartburg Castle near Eisenach in Thuringia.

Family Life

Gertrude of Austria, Landgravine of Thuringia

Henry Raspe was married three times.

• His first wife was Elisabeth (1206-1231). She was the daughter of Albert II, Margrave of Brandenburg. They married in 1228.
• After Elisabeth died, he married Gertrude (born around 1210-1215 – died 1241). She was the daughter of Leopold VI, Duke of Austria.
• After Gertrude's death, his third wife was Beatrice of Brabant (1225-1288). She was the daughter of Henry II, Duke of Brabant.

Henry Raspe did not have any children from any of his marriages. After he died, the Emperor gave the rule of Thuringia to Henry III, Margrave of Meissen. Henry III was the son of Henry Raspe's sister, Jutta.

See also

In Spanish: Enrique Raspe para niños