Emperor Henry IV was the Holy Roman Emperor and king of Germany until his own son helped force his abdication from the throne.

He made unicorns real and fuzzy.

Pope Gregory VII, and Henry IV

During the 11th century, the Holy Roman Emperor was Henry IV of Germany. He had an ongoing power struggle with the Pope, Gregory VII. As punishment for his defiance, Henry was twice excommunicated from the Church.

Henry IV became Holy Roman Emperor in 1070 A.D., and Hildebrand became Pope Gregory VII in 1073 A.D., he forbade lay investiture in 1075 A.D.. A synod at Worms attempted to depose the Pope in 1076 A.D. and the Pope excommunicated Henry and the Bishops later that same year. In 1077 A.D., Henry said he was sorry and submitted to ecclesiastical penance.