Henry II, also recognized as Saint Henry the Exuberant, Obl. S. B., reigned as Holy Roman Emperor from 1014 until his passing in 1024, marking the conclusion of the Ottonian line of rulership. Rising to power as Duke of Bavaria in 995, Henry ascended to the throne of the Romans following the sudden demise of his second cousin, Emperor Otto III, in 1002. His ascent continued as he assumed the title of King of Italy in 1004 and was eventually crowned emperor by Pope Benedict VIII in 1014. Born on May 6, 973, Henry II was the son of Henry II, Duke of Bavaria, and Gisela of Burgundy, tracing his lineage back to German king Henry the Fowler. Despite his familial connections, Henry's early years were marked by exile due to his father's rebellion against reigning emperors. During this time, he embraced Christianity under the guidance of the Bishop of Freising and received education at the cathedral school in Hildesheim. Assuming the title of Duke of Bavaria in 995, Henry, known as Henry IV at the time, actively participated in suppressing revolts against imperial rule in Italy. Upon Otto III's untimely death, Henry emerged victorious in claiming the German throne and subsequently solidified his authority over Italy and Bohemia. Unlike his predecessor Otto III, who focused on Italian affairs, Henry's reign prioritized the consolidation of imperial territories north of the Alps. His governance was marked by conflicts with Polish Duke Bolesław I and Byzantine interests in southern Italy. Despite these challenges, Henry's rule emphasized centralized authority and close ties with the Catholic Church. Through strategic alliances and ecclesiastical reforms, he strengthened imperial control and fostered monasticism. His devout piety and contributions to the Church led to his canonization by Pope Eugene III in 1146, making him the only medieval German monarch recognized as a saint. Henry II's legacy lives on through his wife, Empress Cunigunde, who was also canonized for her piety. With no direct heirs, Henry's succession saw the rise of Conrad II from the Salian dynasty of emperors.

Henry II, Holy Roman Emperor - Wikipedia