Philip of Swabia
Philip of Swabia was a younger son of Frederick Barbarossa thrust into the imperial succession crisis following the unexpected death of his brother Henry VI in 1197. His election triggered one of the most destructive civil wars in the empire's history: the rival Welf faction simultaneously elected Otto of Brunswick (Otto IV) as king. By 1207 Philip had largely gained the upper hand, but before resolution could be achieved, Philip was assassinated in Bamberg in June 1208 by Otto of Wittelsbach, a Bavarian count with a personal grudge.
- Lived: 1177 CE – 1208 CE
- Nationality: german
- Roles: head_of_state, military_leader
