Politics & Government

Henry IV's Humiliation at Canossa

Holy Roman Emperor Henry IV humbly visited Pope Gregory VII at Canossa in Italy to seek the lifting of his excommunication. After having faced political turmoil and the church's wrath, this act of penance involved standing in the snow for three days. The symbolic gesture not only showcased Henry's desperation but also highlighted the ongoing struggle for power between the papacy and the monarchy during the Investiture Controversy.

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