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Hohenstaufen

Hohenstaufen was a dynasty of Kings of Germany, many of whom were also crowned Holy Roman Emperor. The proper name, taken from their castle in Swabia, is Staufen.

When the last member of the Salian dynasty, Henry IV, Holy Roman Emperor, died without an heir there was controversy about the succession. Frederick and Conrad, the two current male Staufens, were grandsons of Henry III, Holy Roman Emperor and nephews of Henry IV. After the death of the intervening king and emperor Lothar II of Supplinburg, in 1137, Conrad became Conrad III of Germany.

Conrad III 1138-1155

Frederick I, Holy Roman Emperor Barbarossa, 1155-1190

Henry V, Holy Roman Emperor, 1191-1197; Henry VI of Germany, 1190-1197

Philip of Swabia, king 1198-1208

Frederick II, king 1208-1250, emperor after 1220

Conrad IV, king 1237-1254 (under his father)

The last Hohenstaufen, Conrad IV, was never crowned emperor. After a 20 year period the first Habsburg was elected king and emperor.

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