Henry II, Holy Roman Emperor

Henry's election was strongly contested, and it was not until 1014 that he was actually crowned emperor (Pope Benedict VIII didn't recognize Henry of Bavaria as King of Germany until February 14). Until then he ruled as king of the Lombards, a secondary title of the Emperor following a tradition begun under the Carolingians.

Henry spent the early part of his reign fighting in Bohemia, where he drove back the forces of Boleslaus I, duke of Poland and eventually secured Boleslaus's allegiance to the Empire. After 1014, Henry focused much of his attention on Italy, where there was unrest and rebellion against both Pope and Emperor. Having restored order there, Henry continued to consolidate his rule throughout the Empire.

Henry's most significant contributions as emperor come in the realm of Church-State relations and Church administration within the Empire. He took part in church synods, most notably the Synod of Pavia, and his support of the bishops against the regular clergy helped to ensure their allegiance to the Emperor.

Henry also founded the diocese of Bamberg in 1007. Henry's interest in the Church had as much to do with piety as political savvy. He and his wife, Cunigunde of Luxembourg, were childless, reportedly because they had taken a mutual vow of chastity. Both Henry and Cunigunde were canonized after their deaths.