Konrad IV Hohenstaufen King of Germany (since 1237; independently since 1250), King of Jerusalem (since 1228), King of Sicily (since 1250), Duke of Swabia (since 1235). Date of Birth: 25.04.1228 Country: Italy

1. Early Life and Royal Heritage
2. King of Germany and Jerusalem
3. Succession Struggle and Conflict
4. Conquest of Southern Italy and Conflict with the Pope
5. Illness and Death
6. Marriage and Descendants

Early Life and Royal Heritage

Conrad IV was born as the only son of Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II Hohenstaufen and his second wife, Yolanda of Jerusalem. His mother passed away shortly after his birth, leaving Conrad as the heir to the throne of Jerusalem.

King of Germany and Jerusalem

In 1237, Conrad was elected as King of Germany, following the deposition of his older brother, Henry. However, he only became independent ruler in 1250. As King of Germany, Conrad played an active role in imperial politics and supported his father's policies. He also inherited the title of King of Jerusalem in 1228.

Succession Struggle and Conflict

After Pope Innocent IV excommunicated Frederick II in 1246, Conrad IV found himself embroiled in a succession struggle. He initially fought against the rival emperor Henry Raspe, but after Raspe's death, he faced opposition from the newly elected emperor, William of Holland. Conrad IV was defeated by William at the Battle of Oppenheim in 1251.

Conquest of Southern Italy and Conflict with the Pope

In early 1252, Conrad IV invaded Italy and gained control over southern Italy. Pope Innocent IV accused him of heresy and excommunicated him. Undeterred, Conrad IV continued his campaign, capturing and ruthlessly punishing the city of Naples in 1253.

Illness and Death

While preparing for a campaign in northern Italy, Conrad IV fell ill with malaria and died in a military camp near Lavello on May 21, 1254. His heart and internal organs were buried in Melfi, while his body was transported to the cathedral in Messina. However, lightning struck the cathedral, destroying his body before it could be properly buried.

Marriage and Descendants

On September 1, 1246, Conrad IV married his fourth cousin, Elizabeth of Wittelsbach. They had one child, Conradin, who became King of Jerusalem and Sicily after Conrad IV's death. Elizabeth later remarried to Meinhard II, Count of Gorizia and Tyrol, and had further children.