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Who belonged to the Imperial Diet of the Holy Roman Empire?

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Map of Europe about 800 CE showing the extent of the Frankish kingdom under Charlemagne in light purple, covering much of present-day France, Germany, northern Italy, and neighboring regions. Areas inhabited by Slavic peoples who were tributary to Charlemagne are shaded in a darker purple to the east of the Frankish kingdom, including groups such as the Bohemians, Moravians, and Croats. Major cities, rivers, and neighboring kingdoms are labeled for context.
Holy Roman Empire

The Imperial Diet of the Holy Roman Empire evolved significantly over time, initially consisting of princes and high-ranking clergy. By the 13th century, the membership expanded to include counts, barons, and representatives from imperial and episcopal cities.1

Following the division of the Diet into three colleges by 1489, membership was structured as follows:

  • Electoral College: Comprised of seven lay and ecclesiastical princes responsible for electing the emperor.1
  • College of Princes: Included 33 ecclesiastical princes and 61 lay princes.1
  • College of Cities: Represented various imperial and episcopal towns, eventually divided into Rhine and Swabian groups.1

After the Peace of Westphalia in 1648, the Diet transitioned into an assembly of sovereign princes, who were typically represented by envoys rather than attending in person. This "Everlasting Diet" in Regensburg continued until the empire's dissolution in 1806.1