Hohenstaufen - Definition and Overview

Hohenstaufen was a dynasty of Kings of Germany, many of whom were also crowned Holy Roman Emperor and Dukes of Swabia. The proper name, taken from their castle in Swabia, is Staufen.

When the last member of the Salian dynasty, Henry IV, Holy Roman Emperor, died without an heir there was controversy about the succession. Frederick and Conrad, the two current male Staufens, were grandsons of Henry III, Holy Roman Emperor and nephews of Henry IV. After the death of the intervening king and emperor Lothar II of Supplinburg, in 1137, Conrad became Conrad III of Germany.

Members of the Hohenstaufen family

Holy Roman Emperors and Kings of Germany

• Conrad III 1138-1155
• Frederick I, Holy Roman Emperor Barbarossa, 1155-1190
• Henry V, Holy Roman Emperor, 1191-1197; Henry VI of Germany, 1190-1197
• Philip of Swabia, king 1198-1208
• Frederick II, king 1208-1250, emperor after 1220
• Conrad IV, king 1237-1254 (under his father)

The last Hohenstaufen, Conrad IV, was never crowned emperor. After a 20 year period the first Habsburg was elected king and emperor.

Dukes of Swabia

Note: Some of the following dukes are already listed above as German Kings

• Frederick I von Staufen (r. 1079 - 1105)
• Frederick II (r. 1105 - 1147)
• Frederick III Barbarossa (r. 1147 - 1152) King of Germany 1152 and Holy Roman Emperor in 1155
• Frederick IV (r. 1152 - 1167)
• Frederick V (r. 1167 - 1170)
• Frederick VI (r. 1170 - 1191)
• Conrad II (r. 1191 - 1196)
• Philip I (r. 1196 - 1208) King of Germany in 1198
• Frederick VI (r. 1212 - 1216) King of Germany 1212 and Holy Roman Emperor in 1220
• Henry II (r. 1216 - 1235)
• Conrad III (r. 1235 - 1254) King of Germany in 1250
• Conrad V (Conradin) (r. 1254 - 1268)

• Dukes of Swabia family tree