Great Interregnum

The Great Interregnum was a period of political disorder in German history following the death of Emperor Frederick II in 1250. This era, lasting until 1273, saw a decline in imperial authority and a rise in the power of territorial princes.123

During this time, the Holy Roman Empire lacked a strong central ruler. The papacy influenced the election of anti-kings, such as Henry Raspe and William of Holland, but their authority was limited. German princes, both lay and ecclesiastical, exploited this power vacuum to consolidate their own territories and independence. They gained significant concessions from emperors, including rights to build castles, mint coins, and impose tolls, effectively limiting direct royal authority within their domains. This period ultimately weakened the imperial structure and paved the way for the development of more independent territorial states within the Holy Roman Empire.123