ABSTRACT
The peace that was made at Worms in 1122 lasted for thirty-five years. It was a remarkable interlude, during which the former situation was completely reversed and the old antagonism was replaced by a friendly alliance. The ecclesiastical hierarchy had been largely responsible for his election; the Pope through his legates had given it his blessing. Frederick in Suabia and Conrad in eastern Franconia were a formidable pair, and for some time Lothar took no steps to bring them to justice. The Hohenstaufen in their triumph now conceived the idea of supplanting the defeated king. Frederick did not covet the honour, and it was Conrad who was proclaimed king by his supporters in December 1127. The German nobles were probably afraid of the masterful nature of Henry and disinclined to have him as their king. But again it was the Church that decided the election. Henry’s pride had offended those who had been the stoutest champions of Lothar.
