ABSTRACT
In the year 1046 the newly-crowned Emperor was at the height of his power. In the north, the security of the frontier was guaranteed by a renewal of the alliance with Denmark. The misfortunes of Henry IV in Germany during his long reign of 50 years had their origin in this decade of mis-government. Henry had begun with a great success, and proceeded to exploit it by strengthening and garrisoning the castles on the royal domain, which could be used as a centre for his own power and also as a means for curbing Saxon independence. The incident at Worms was only a glimmer of light in a situation of deep gloom. The king had to come to terms with the Saxons in February and cede their full demands, including the withdrawal of his garrisons and the demolition of his castles. The completeness of the king’s victory was more than the dukes had counted upon.
