2-378-048 - Historica Graphica Collection/Heritage Images

Henry IV of Germany outside the gates of Canossa, Italy, 1077 (1913). Barefoot, clad in a hair shirt, Henry appeared before the gates, begging for admission. Henry IV (1050-1106) was King of Germany from 1056 and Holy Roman Emperor from 1084. In 1077, he performed penance outside the gates of Canossa Castle in order to persuade Pope Gregory VII to reverse his excommunication. The incident occurred during the Investiture Controversy, a conflict between church and state that broke out in 1075 and led to Germany being embroiled in civil war for almost half a century. From A History of Germany by HE Marshall. Henry IV (1050-1106) was King of Germany from 1056 and Holy Roman Emperor from 1084.