# Henry the Lion > Welf dynasty, Duke of Saxony, as Henry III, and Duke of Bavaria, as Henry XII (1129-1195) **Wikidata**: [Q105378](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q105378) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_the_Lion) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/henry-the-lion ## Summary Henry the Lion (1129–1195) was a prominent German nobleman of the Welf dynasty who served as Duke of Saxony (as Henry III) and Duke of Bavaria (as Henry XII). He is most renowned for founding the city of Schwerin in 1161, which later became the capital of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, and for his significant influence on the political landscape of medieval Germany during the 12th century. ## Biography - **Born**: 1129 - **Died**: August 6, 1195 - **Nationality**: German - **Dynasty**: Welf dynasty - **Titles**: Duke of Saxony (as Henry III), Duke of Bavaria (as Henry XII) - **Known for**: Founding Schwerin in 1161; establishing Welf power in northern Germany; conflict with Emperor Frederick I Barbarossa - **Field(s)**: Medieval politics, nobility, territorial governance ## Contributions - **Founded the city of Schwerin** in 1161, establishing it as a significant urban center in northern Germany - **Built and developed Brunswick Cathedral** (construction began 1173), a major ecclesiastical structure in Lower Saxony - **Expanded Welf dynasty territories** across Saxony and Bavaria, becoming one of the most powerful medieval German princes - **Established the Order of Henry the Lion** (Brunswick Order), instituted in 1834 and active until 1918—though named in his honor, this was established centuries after his death ## FAQs **What cities did Henry the Lion found?** Henry the Lion founded the city of Schwerin in 1161, which remains the capital of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern to this day. The city was strategically located among numerous lakes including the Schweriner See. **What was Henry the Lion's relationship with the Welf dynasty?** Henry the Lion was a member of the Welf dynasty, a prominent noble family in medieval Germany that wielded significant political influence in Saxony and Bavaria during the 12th century. **What is the Order of Henry the Lion?** The Order of Henry the Lion (also known as the Brunswick Order) was a chivalric order established in 1834 in the Duchy of Brunswick. Although named after Henry the Lion, it was founded over 600 years after his death and existed until 1918. **What is Henry the Lion's connection to Brunswick Cathedral?** Brunswick Cathedral in Lower Saxony, Germany, was constructed beginning in 1173 during Henry the Lion's lifetime. It stands as a significant religious and architectural monument associated with his era and domain. **What titles did Henry the Lion hold?** Henry the Lion held two primary ducal titles: Duke of Saxony (where he was known as Henry III) and Duke of Bavaria (where he was known as Henry XII). ## Why They Matter Henry the Lion matters in German history for several enduring reasons. His founding of Schwerin in 1161 created a permanent administrative and cultural center that has persisted for over 850 years, evolving from a medieval settlement to a modern state capital. The city he established served as the capital of various political entities throughout history, including the Grand Duchy of Mecklenburg-Schwerin, the Free State of Mecklenburg-Schwerin, and ultimately the modern state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern following German reunification in 1990. As a member of the powerful Welf dynasty, Henry the Lion played a crucial role in the political dynamics of the Holy Roman Empire during the 12th century. His conflicts with Emperor Frederick I Barbarossa and his eventual exile represented significant moments in the struggle between imperial authority and princely autonomy. The legacy of his territorial consolidation and urban development projects left lasting imprints on the political geography of northern Germany. The naming of the Brunswick Order after him in 1834 demonstrates his continued cultural significance centuries after his death, indicating that his legacy remained meaningful to German identity and historiography into the modern era. ## Notable For - Founding the city of Schwerin in 1161, which became a state capital - Holding dual ducal titles in Saxony and Bavaria simultaneously - Being a member of the influential Welf dynasty - Connection to Brunswick Cathedral (founded 1173) - Having the Order of Henry the Lion (Brunswick Order, 1834-1918) named in his honor - Living during the height of medieval imperial politics in Germany (12th century) ## Body ### Early Life and Rise to Power Henry the Lion was born in 1129 into the Welf dynasty, one of the most powerful noble families in medieval Germany. The Welfs had long held territories in Saxony and Bavaria, and Henry inherited this legacy of noble prestige and political ambition. As a member of this influential family, he was positioned from birth to play a significant role in the politics of the Holy Roman Empire. ### Dukedoms and Political Career Henry the Lion held two of the most important ducal titles in the German kingdom. In Saxony, he ruled as Henry III, while in Bavaria he was known as Henry XII. This dual authority made him one of the most powerful princes in the empire during the 12th century. His political influence extended across substantial territories in northern and southern Germany, allowing him to shape regional politics and compete with imperial authority. His relationship with Emperor Frederick I Barbarossa was complex and often contentious. While initially allies, their relationship deteriorated over questions of imperial versus princely authority, ultimately leading to Henry's exile from the empire. This conflict exemplified the broader tensions between the Holy Roman Emperor and powerful territorial princes during the medieval period. ### Urban Foundation: Schwerin The most concrete and lasting contribution of Henry the Lion was the founding of Schwerin in 1161. Located in what is now northeastern Germany, Schwerin was strategically positioned among numerous lakes, including the Schweriner See. The city's founding represented a deliberate effort to establish a Welf power base in a strategically important region. Schwerin developed rapidly as an urban center and administrative hub. Throughout its history, it served as the capital of multiple political entities: the Grand Duchy of Mecklenburg-Schwerin (1352-1918), the Free State of Mecklenburg-Schwerin (1918-1934), the Free State of Mecklenburg (1934-1952), and the Schwerin District during the East German era (1952-1990). Since German reunification on October 3, 1990, Schwerin has served as the capital of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. As of December 31, 2023, Schwerin has a population of 98,733 residents, covering an area of 130.52 square kilometers at an elevation of 52 meters above sea level. The city's coordinates are 53.6289°N, 11.415°E. ### Religious and Architectural Legacy Henry the Lion's era saw significant religious construction, most notably the founding of Brunswick Cathedral in 1173. This church building in Brunswick, Lower Saxony, Germany, stands as a testament to the ecclesiastical ambitions and devotional practices of the period. The cathedral became a major religious monument in the region and remains an important historical structure today. ### Posthumous Legacy: The Order of Henry the Lion Although Henry the Lion died on August 6, 1195, his name endured in German cultural memory. In 1834, the Duchy of Brunswick established the Order of Henry the Lion (also known as the Brunswick Order), a chivalric honor recognizing distinguished service. The order operated until 1918, spanning the periods of the German Confederation, the German Empire, and the Weimar Republic. This posthumous honor demonstrates the lasting significance of Henry the Lion's historical legacy and his continued relevance to German identity more than six centuries after his death. ### Historical Significance Henry the Lion represents a pivotal figure in medieval German history whose actions shaped the political and urban landscape of northern Germany. His founding of Schwerin created an administrative center that has endured for over eight centuries, while his political career exemplified the complex dynamics between imperial authority and princely independence in the Holy Roman Empire. The Welf dynasty's influence, which he helped perpetuate, remained a force in German politics for generations after his death. ## References 1. Integrated Authority File 2. Source 3. The Peerage 4. International Standard Name Identifier 5. Virtual International Authority File 6. BnF authorities 7. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 8. Czech National Authority Database 9. [LIBRIS. 2012](https://libris.kb.se/katalogisering/1zcfgkwk36x49b0) 10. Sejm-Wielki.pl 11. Bibliography of the History of the Czech Lands