1. The Holy Roman Empire and the Church
After Charlemagne's death his empire dissolved into separate states.
Dukes of Saxony extended power into Germany.
Otto I. became King of Germany
Otto’s later successors became known as Holy Roman Emperor.
The Holy Roman Empire claimed authority over most of central and eastern Europe and parts of France and Italy.

2. Problems German emperors needed to control vassals.
Emperors had conflicts with the Popes over the appointment of Church officials.

3. Conflict Between Popes and Emperors
Pope Gregory: Wanted to make the Church independent of secular rulers. Banned lay investiture.
Emperor Henry IV: Feuded with Pope Gregory over the ban of lay investiture. Felt entitled to give the symbols of the office of bishop.

4. Struggle Intensifies 1076 Gregory excommunicated Henry.
To save his crown Henry repented his sins.
Gregory had no choice but to forgive him.

5. Concordat of Worms
Was a treaty signed in 1122 where both sides agreed the Church had the sole power to elect and invest Bishops.
The emperor however could invest them with fiefs.

6. Frederick II.: Weakened Germany by becoming involved in Italy’s affairs and spending little time in Germany.
Clashed with several Popes.

7. Height of Church Power
Pope Innocent III.: Claimed supremacy over all others.
Clashed with many powerful rulers.
Pope Innocent launched a brutal crusade against the Albigensians because the Albigensians wanted to purify the Church.

8. Key Terms and People
Otto I.: Duke of Saxony who took the title King of Germany.
Innocent III.: Launched the Albigensian Crusade.
Henry IV.: Argued with the Church over lay investiture.
Crusade: Holy War
Concordat of Worms: Treaty that ended the investiture struggle.