Heinrich VII

Heinrich VII (c.1275-1313, Buonconvento nr. Siena), Count of Luxemburg, was elected Deutscher König in 1308. His election was a move against the plans of Philip the Fair of France, who urged the candidature of his brother Charles de Valois. Heinrich VII, a ruler with only limited private resources, gained considerable backing from Bohemia by marrying his son John to the Bohemian princess Elizabeth. His main policy was aimed at the restoration of imperial power in Italy. Though crowned in 1312 at Rome, he was unable to make headway against the perpetual strife and intrigue of the Italian scene. His desire had been to bring peace, but he left Italy a prey to worse dissensions. He died of malaria, and is buried at Pisa.