On This Day

Conrad II von Hohenstaufen re-elected German king

The Hohenstaufen dynasty, also known as the Staufer, was a noble family of German origin that rose to rule the Duchy of Swabia from 1079, and to royal rule in the Holy Roman Empire during the Middle...

The Hohenstaufen dynasty, also known as the Staufer, was a noble family of German origin that rose to rule the Duchy of Swabia from 1079, and to royal rule in the Holy Roman Empire during the Middle Ages from 1138 until 1254. The dynasty's most prominent rulers – Frederick I (1155), Henry VI (1191) and Frederick II (1220) – ascended the imperial throne and also reigned over Italy and Burgundy. The non-contemporary name of 'Hohenstaufen' is derived from the family's Hohenstaufen Castle on Hohenstaufen mountain at the northern fringes of the Swabian Jura, near the town of Göppingen. Under Hohenstaufen rule, the Holy Roman Empire reached its greatest territorial extent from 1155 to 1268.

Historical Significance

The Hohenstaufen dynasty, also known as the Staufer, was a noble family of German origin that rose to rule the Duchy of Swabia from 1079, and to royal rule in the Holy Roman Empire during the Middle Ages from 1138 until 1254.

Events Before

  1. Rome-Innocentius II crowns Lotharius III Roman-German emperor

    Rome-Innocentius II crowns Lotharius III Roman-German emperor

  2. Henry II of England is born

    Henry II of England is born

  3. Storm flood ravages Zeeland County

    Storm flood ravages Zeeland County

  4. Norman nobles recognize Stephen of Blois as King of England

    Norman nobles recognize Stephen of Blois as King of England

  5. Louis, Dauphin of France (later Louis VII) (17) weds Eleanor of Aquitaine (about 15) at Cathedral of Saint-André in Bord

    Louis, Dauphin of France (later Louis VII) (17) weds Eleanor of Aquitaine (about 15) at Cathedral of Saint-André in Bordeaux

Events After

  1. Godfried II the Young becomes Duke of Brabant

    Godfried II the Young becomes Duke of Brabant

  2. Second Lateran Council (10th ecumenical council) opens in Rome

    Second Lateran Council (10th ecumenical council) opens in Rome

  3. Battle of Ourique: Afonso Henriques (later Afonso I of Portugal) defeats Moors

    Dom Afonso I nicknamed "the Conqueror" (Portuguese: O Conquistador), "the Founder" (O Fundador) and "the Great" (O Magno) by the Portuguese, was the first king of Portugal, from 26 July 1139 until...

  4. Count Alfonso I of Portugal proclaimed King

    Dom Afonso I nicknamed "the Conqueror" (Portuguese: O Conquistador), "the Founder" (O Fundador) and "the Great" (O Magno) by the Portuguese, was the first king of Portugal, from 26 July 1139 until...

  5. French scholar Peter Abelard is found guilty of heresy

    French scholar Peter Abelard is found guilty of heresy

More from the 1130s

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened on March 7, 1138?
The Hohenstaufen dynasty, also known as the Staufer, was a noble family of German origin that rose to rule the Duchy of Swabia from 1079, and to royal rule in the Holy Roman Empire during the Middle Ages from 1138 until 1254. The dynasty's most prominent rulers – Frederick I (1155), Henry VI (1191) and Frederick II (1220) – ascended the imperial throne and also reigned over Italy and Burgundy. The non-contemporary name of 'Hohenstaufen' is derived from the family's Hohenstaufen Castle on Hohenstaufen mountain at the northern fringes of the Swabian Jura, near the town of Göppingen.
Why is Conrad II von Hohenstaufen re-elected German king significant?
The Hohenstaufen dynasty, also known as the Staufer, was a noble family of German origin that rose to rule the Duchy of Swabia from 1079, and to royal rule in the Holy Roman Empire during the Middle Ages from 1138 until 1254.

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