Henry the Lion, Duke of Saxony

Henry the Lion, born around 1129 in Ravensburg, was a member of the Welf dynasty. He became Duke of Saxony in 1142 and Duke of Bavaria in 1156. His influence grew after supporting his cousin Frederick Barbarossa's campaign for the throne in 1152.

Henry expanded his power in North Germany, particularly in Brunswick, where he built the collegiate church St Blaise and placed a lion statue at Dankwarderode Castle. His building strategy in Saxony and beyond reduced the influence of previous Saxon leaders.

Tensions with Barbarossa arose when Henry refused to support the 1176 Italian campaign. This led to his isolation and the loss of his duchies during the reigns of Barbarossa and his son, Henry VI.

Henry's territories once stretched from the North and Baltic seas to the Alps, and from Westphalia to Pomerania. His rule was characterized by political and military acumen, aided by the legacies of his grandparents. He was a key figure in the Staufen-Welf conflict, a major political force of the twelfth century.

Henry married twice, first to Clementia of Zähringen in 1147, and later to Matilda of England in 1168. His marriage to Matilda linked him to the English royal family, as she was the daughter of King Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine. Henry had several children, including Otto IV, who became Holy Roman Emperor.

After being exiled to England, Henry returned to Germany and regained some of his lands. He continued to sponsor arts and architecture, particularly in Brunswick. The Henry the Lion Bible is preserved in the Herzog August Library.

Henry the Lion died on 6 August 1195 in Brunswick and was buried in Brunswick Cathedral. His successor in Saxony was Bernard III, and in Bavaria, Otto I succeeded him.