William of Holland
William of Holland was elected anti-king of Germany in 1247 by the papal faction opposing Emperor Frederick II. Following the death of Conrad IV in 1254 and the extinction of the direct Hohenstaufen male line, William's claim became less contested, yet he was never able to command the full obedience of the German princes. He met an ignominious end in 1256 while campaigning against the Frisians: his horse broke through the ice during a winter battle and he was killed. His death plunged the empire into the chaotic interregnum that would last until 1273.
- Lived: 1227 CE – 1256 CE
- Nationality: german
- Roles: head_of_state, military_leader
