Henry II the Saint
Henry II was the last emperor of the Ottonian dynasty and the only medieval German king to be canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church, receiving that honor in 1146. He came to power in 1002 after the death of Otto III and prevailed in a succession contest through a combination of political skill and the support of the Church. Henry's reign was characterized by deep personal piety and a close partnership with the Church, which he used as an instrument of royal governance. He founded the Diocese of Bamberg in 1007, endowing it lavishly. The Peace of Bautzen in 1018 stabilized the eastern border. Henry's childless death in 1024 ended the Ottonian dynasty entirely and opened the way for the election of the Salian Conrad II.
- Lived: 973 CE – 1024 CE
- Nationality: german
- Roles: emperor, head_of_state, military_leader
