LOTHAR

German Lothar

born early June 1075

died Dec. 3/4, 1137, Breitenwang

German king (1125–37) and Holy Roman emperor (1133–37).

The most powerful noble in Saxony, he took part in revolts (1112–15) against the German king Henry V. Elected king on Henry's death, he fought a war against the Hohenstaufen who claimed the throne (1125–29); his victory was a triumph for elective monarchy over hereditary succession. Lothar was crowned emperor as a reward for supporting Pope Innocent II (1133). He made peace with the Hohenstaufen (1135) but attacked Roger II of Sicily, driving him out of southern Italy (1136–37).