Hello and welcome to the history of the Germans.

Episode 40, Henry V's Cunning Plan.

In this episode, we will see whether young King Henry V.

will do any better at ending the conflict between the Pope and the Emperor,

featuring one of the most audacious political

moves seen in this conflict.

But before we start, just a reminder.

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Last week we followed our anti-hero Henry IV to his last and final betrayal, when his

youngest son, King Henry V, rose up against him, like his elder brother Conrad had done before.

Henry V prevailed, and the old Emperor Henry IV died in 1106, still hoping against all

the odds to return to the throne.

The king is dead. Long live the king.

But who is this new king, Henry V of his name?

In 1105 Henry V was 21 years of age. He was born in 1086, in one of the quieter

years of his father's reign. But just four years later did the emperor go down to Italy, where he would

...