Origins & Early Life

Henry the Lion (German: Heinrich der Löwe; 1129/1131 – 6 August 1195), also known as Henry III, Duke of Saxony (ruled 1142–1180) and Henry XII, Duke of Bavaria (ruled 1156–1180), was a member of the Welf dynasty. Henry was one of the most powerful German princes of his time. As the Duke of Saxony, Henry had had a decisive part in 1152 in his cousin Frederick Barbarossa's campaign for the throne. Because of this, in the following years, he was intensely promoted by Barbarossa.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

So, in 1156, he received the Dukedom of Bavaria. In North Germany, Henry could now build a kingly presence. He achieved this in Brunswick by building a new collegiate church, St Blaise, and, in the neighbouring Dankwarderode Castle, he placed a statue of a lion, as a symbol of its place as the capital of his duchies. The aggressive building strategy of the Duke in Saxony and north of the Elbe supplanted the influence of the previous greats of Saxony. Next, Henry repaid Barbarossa's sponsorship by putting great effort into his service to the first Italian dynasty.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The agreement between Henry and Barbarossa encountered difficulties when Henry refused to send military assistance in 1176 for Barbarossa's invasion of...

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