Empress Isabella of the Holy Roman Empire
The Holy Roman Empress was the wife or widow of the Holy Roman Emperor. The title of Holy Roman Emperor was exclusively male, but some empresses, such as Theophanu and Maria Theresa, held power and acted as de facto rulers. Before 924, the title of emperor was not consistently linked to the German kingdom, being initially associated with the Carolingian dynasty and later held by various figures in the 9th and 10th centuries. Their wives were empresses, though not always German queens.
With Otto I's elevation in 962, the title of Roman King or Emperor became inseparable from the Kingdom of Germany. A King of Germany might not always be an Emperor, but one could not become a Holy Roman Emperor without first being King of Germany. The women in subsequent dynasties, including the Ottonian, Salian, and Habsburg, were both Queens of Germany and Holy Roman Empresses.
Notable events
- Before 924The title of emperor was not always associated with the German kingdom.
- 9th and 10th centuriesThe title of emperor was held by various figures beyond the Carolingian dynasty.
- 962Otto I of Germany was elevated to the Imperial title.
- 962The title of Roman King or Emperor became inalienably associated with the Kingdom of Germany.
- 962 onwardsWomen became Queens of Germany as well as Holy Roman Empresses.
- Ottonian dynastyIncluded women who were both Queens of Germany and Holy Roman Empresses.
- Salian dynastyIncluded women who were both Queens of Germany and Holy Roman Empresses.
- House of HabsburgIncluded women who were both Queens of Germany and Holy Roman Empresses.
- House of Habsburg-LorraineIncluded women who were both Queens of Germany and Holy Roman Empresses.
- House of WittelsbachIncluded women who were both Queens of Germany and Holy Roman Empresses.
Other details
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