Henry VII, Holy Roman Emperor
Henry VII, also known as Henry of Luxembourg, was Count of Luxembourg, King of Germany from 1308 and Holy Roman Emperor from 1312. He was the first emperor of the House of Luxembourg. During his brief career he reinvigorated the imperial cause in Italy, which was racked with the partisan struggles between the divided Guelph and Ghibelline factions, and inspired the praise of Dino Compagni and Dante Alighieri. He was the first emperor since the death of Frederick II in 1250, ending the Great Interregnum of the Holy Roman Empire; however, his premature death threatened to undo his life's work. His son, John of Bohemia, failed to be elected as his successor, and there was briefly another anti-king, Frederick the Fair, contesting the rule of Louis IV.
Detail of a miniature depicting Henry VII, c. 1380–1400
The seven prince-electors voting for Henry, Balduineum picture chronicle, 1341
Henry VII and the Imperial army crossing the Alps into Italy
The knights of emperor Henry VII defeat the Guelph faction of Guido della Torre in Milan
King of the Romans was the title used by the king of East Francia following his election by the princes from the reign of Henry II (1002–1024) onward.
The royal Throne of Charlemagne in Aachen Cathedral
Detail of the imperial coronation mantle, drawing from 1857
Armor of Ferdinand I, Holy Roman Emperor, created when he was still King of the Romans in 1549.
Coronation of Archduke Joseph as King of the Romans in the Imperial Cathedral of Saint Bartholomew in Frankfurt, 3 April 1764