# Henry X

> Duke of Bavaria, Duke of Saxony and Spoleto

**Wikidata**: [Q366696](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q366696)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_the_Proud)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/henry-x

## Summary
Henry X, known as "the Proud," was a sovereign ruler in the Holy Roman Empire, serving as Duke of Bavaria (1126–1139), Duke of Saxony (1138–1139), and Duke of Spoleto. Born circa 1100/1108 into the House of Welf, he unified Bavaria and Saxony under his rule, becoming one of the most powerful nobles of his time. His alliance with Emperor Lothair III and subsequent conflict with the Hohenstaufen dynasty shaped medieval German politics.

## Biography
- **Born**: c. 1100/1108 (exact date disputed)  
- **Nationality**: Holy Roman Empire  
- **Known for**: Uniting the Duchies of Bavaria and Saxony under Welf rule  
- **Employer(s)**: Duchy of Bavaria, Duchy of Saxony, Duchy of Spoleto  
- **Field(s)**: Nobility, medieval governance  

## Contributions
- **Acquisition of Saxony (1138)**: Secured the Duchy of Saxony after supporting Emperor Lothair III against Hohenstaufen rivals, consolidating Welf power in northern Germany.  
- **Expansion of Territorial Control**: Ruled Bavaria (1126–1139), Saxony (1138–1139), and Spoleto, creating a vast territorial bloc within the Holy Roman Empire.  
- **Political Alliances**: Strengthened ties with Emperor Lothair III, influencing imperial politics and military campaigns against the Hohenstaufen dynasty.  

## FAQs
- **What titles did Henry X hold?**  
  He was Duke of Bavaria (1126–1139), Duke of Saxony (1138–1139), and Duke of Spoleto, making him a dominant figure in the Holy Roman Empire.  
- **Why is Henry X called "the Proud"?**  
  The nickname reflects his assertive governance and refusal to submit to Hohenstaufen authority, symbolizing his defiance and ambition.  
- **How did Henry X die?**  
  He died in exile in Quedlinburg on October 20, 1139, during a conflict with King Conrad III of Germany, leaving his territories to his son Henry the Lion.  
- **What was Henry X’s legacy?**  
  His rule entrenched the Welf-Staufen rivalry, a defining conflict in medieval German politics, and established his descendants as key players in the Holy Roman Empire.  

## Why They Matter
Henry X’s unification of Bavaria and Saxony reshaped the political landscape of the Holy Roman Empire, directly challenging Hohenstaufen dominance. His alliance with Emperor Lothair III and subsequent conflict with Conrad III catalyzed decades of dynastic strife, influencing imperial succession and regional governance. Without his aggressive territorial expansion and defiance of Hohenstaufen authority, the balance of power in 12th-century Germany would have favored rival dynasties, altering the course of medieval Central European history.

## Notable For
- **Titles**: Duke of Bavaria, Saxony, and Spoleto.  
- **Nickname**: "The Proud" (Heinrich der Stolze/Enrique X el Soberbio).  
- **Conflict**: Leader of the Welf faction against the Hohenstaufen dynasty.  
- **Legacy**: His death triggered a war over his territories, cementing the Welf-Staufen rivalry.  
- **Alliance**: Key supporter of Emperor Lothair III, aiding his 1136–1137 Italian campaign.  

## Body
### Early Life and Succession
Henry X was born circa 1100/1108 to Henry IX, Duke of Bavaria, and Wulfhilde of Saxony. As a member of the House of Welf, he inherited the Duchy of Bavaria in 1126 after his father’s death. His marriage to Gertrude of Saxony (1127) strengthened his claim to Saxon territories, laying the groundwork for his later expansion.

### Reign and Territorial Expansion
- **Duke of Bavaria (1126–1139)**: Inherited the duchy after his father’s retirement to a monastery.  
- **Acquisition of Saxony (1138)**: Awarded the Duchy of Saxony by Emperor Lothair III as a reward for military support against the Hohenstaufen.  
- **Duke of Spoleto**: Held this Italian title, reflecting his influence in imperial affairs beyond Germany.  

### Conflict and Death
Henry X’s rivalry with Conrad III, leader of the Hohenstaufen dynasty, escalated after Lothair III’s death in 1137. When Conrad seized the throne in 1138, Henry refused to recognize his authority, prompting a war. Henry died unexpectedly in Quedlinburg on October 20, 1139, while campaigning against Conrad, leaving his 12-year-old son Henry the Lion to inherit his claims.

### Legacy and Historical Impact
- **Welf-Staufen Rivalry**: His defiance of Conrad III entrenched a dynastic feud that dominated German politics for over a century.  
- **Territorial Unification**: His brief rule over Bavaria and Saxony set a precedent for consolidated noble power within the Holy Roman Empire.  
- **Cultural Depictions**: Portrayed in historical records as a strong but contentious leader, his nickname "the Proud" endures in German (Heinrich der Stolze) and Spanish (Enrique X el Soberbio) traditions.  

### Historical Documentation
- **Primary Sources**: Documented in medieval chronicles and biographies, including profiles on platforms like *Biografías y Vidas*.  
- **Archival Identifiers**: Cataloged in academic databases under VIAF ID 74798052 and ISNI 0000 0003 9454 0884.  
- **Visual Records**: Depicted in historical artwork such as *Henry the Proud.jpg*.  

### Personal Life
Henry X married Gertrude of Saxony (d. 1146), daughter of Lothair III, in 1127. They had two children: Henry the Lion (future Duke of Saxony and Bavaria) and Richenza. His early death left Gertrude to act as regent, securing their son’s inheritance against Hohenstaufen challenges.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. Source
3. [Source](https://www.biografiasyvidas.com/biografia/e/enrique_x.htm)
4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
5. CERL Thesaurus
6. Sejm-Wielki.pl