When emperor Henry VI dies with just 32 years in 1197, the empire gets into a 20 years long dispute over the throne. And Cologne has a major part in it. Why? Because of economic interests.
Archbishop Adolf of Altena
Siegel, Erzbischof Adolf I. von Altena (1193-1205, 1212-1216), 2. Siegel, an einer Urkunde von 1214, 1214, Historisches Archiv der Stadt Köln, Köln.
The two candidates for the throne
Hohenstaufen dynasty: Philip of Swabia
Philipp of Swabia was a member of the Hohenstaufen dynasty and King of Germany from 1198. His reign was marked by the German throne dispute with Otto IV, a key part of the broader conflict between the Welf and Hohenstaufen dynasties.
Welf dynasty: Otto IV. (of Braunschweig-Poitou)
Otto IV was a member of the Welf dynasty and Holy Roman Emperor and in dispute with Philipp of Swabia.
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