Matilda of Canossa (c. 1046-1115), the Countess of Tuscany (r. 1055-1115) and Vice-Queen of Italy (r. 1111-1115), was the final head of the noble House of Canossa following the deaths of her father in 1052 and her elder brother in 1055. One of the most influential women of medieval Europe, Matilda is noted for her military and political prowess, her ceaseless patronage of the Christian Church, and her defense of Papal authority. Though a vassal of the Holy Roman Empire, Matilda often acted independently. Her conflict with the imperial state included a nearly lifelong military conflict with Henry IV (1050-1106), the German king (r. 1056-1105) and Holy Roman Emperor (r. 1084-1105).
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Definition
Timeline
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1046 - 24 Jul 1115Life of Matilda of Tuscany.
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22 Apr 1073 - 25 May 1085Papacy of Gregory VII.
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1077 - 1088The Great Saxon Revolt against Henry IV, Holy Roman Emperor.
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Jan 1077Walk to Canossa; Henry IV, Holy Roman Emperor seeks the absolution of Pope Gregory VII at Canossa, during the Investiture Controversy.
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1084 - 1105Reign of Henry IV, Holy Roman Emperor.
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1106 - 1125Reign of Henry V as King of the Germans.
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1111 - 1125Reign of Henry V, Holy Roman Emperor.
