Heinrich VI Kaiser

Heinrich VI Kaiser (Nijmegen, 1165-97, Messina), son of the Emperor Friedrich I (Barbarossa), was elected Deutscher König in 1169. He acquired by marriage rights of succession in Sicily. In 1189 Heinrich assumed government of the Empire on the sudden death of his father, who had set out on a crusade. Almost immediately the Sicilian throne became vacant, but was seized by the pretender Tancred. Breaking off hostilities with the Duke of Saxony, Heinrich der Löwe, Heinrich hurried to Italy, was crowned emperor in 1191, but failed to subdue Naples. Following unrest in Germany, he returned home, and was for a time in serious straits. From these he was extricated by the ransom of Richard I of England, who had been taken prisoner while returning from the crusades and had pressed for a compromise settlement during his captivity. In 1194 Heinrich returned to Italy, and successfully subdued Naples and Sicily.

Heinrich planned to extend his power over the whole of Europe, and to make the imperial crown hereditary in his house. He did not achieve his goal, and died after contracting a chill while hunting. In 1196 his son, the future Friedrich II, was crowned Deutscher König, Heinrich having thus prepared for his succession.

Heinrich VI is believed to be the Minnesänger referred to in the MSS. as Kaiser Heinrich. He is the subject of C. D. Grabbe's tragedy Kaiser Heinrich der Sechste (1830).