Excommunication of King Henry IV
History: KS3, topic 1.7.2
Excommunication of King Henry IV
One of the most dramatic stories from this period involved King Henry IV of Germany and Pope Gregory VII.
Excommunication of King Henry IV
- One of the most dramatic stories from this period involved King Henry IV of Germany and Pope Gregory VII.
- During the Investiture Controversy, Pope Gregory VII excommunicated Henry.
Threat to King Henry IV's rule
- Henry IV was excommunicated because he refused to stop appointing his own bishops.
- The excommunication threatened Henry’s rule, as many of his nobles sided with the Pope.
The effect of excommunication
- In a desperate attempt to regain his throne, Henry travelled to the Pope’s residence at Canossa in the winter of 1077 AD.
- King Henry IV stood barefoot in the snow for three days, begging for forgiveness.
- Finally, Pope Gregory lifted the excommunication.
- The excommunication thoroughly humiliated the King.
- The excommunication showed that ultimately the Church had the most power.
Test yourself on Excommunication of King Henry IV
What was the name of the Pope who excommunicated King Henry IV?
Why was King Henry IV excommunicated?