Empress Matilda part 3: "Coronation" of Holy Roman Empress

Matilda, educated in Trier, was prepared to rule in her husband's absence. Her mother, Edith Matilda, set an example by managing England during Henry I's absences. Matilda was respected by nobles and the poor. In 1116, Heinrich filled the void left by Matilda of Tuscany, a powerful noblewoman. He avoided conflict with her, unlike his father, and made peace, gaining control over her lands. In 1117, Heinrich and Matilda journeyed to Italy, where Matilda was warmly welcomed. They took Rome, and Matilda was crowned Empress, though not by the Pope, making it symbolic. She was known as Matilda Imperatrix.

What role was Matilda expected to play in her husband's absence?

• Lead military campaigns

• Manage household affairs

• Wield his power and help rule the lands

• Negotiate with foreign powers

How did Matilda's subjects in Germany view her?

• As a foreign invader

• As an ineffective leader

• As a pious mother figure

• As a harsh ruler

How did Heinrich handle the void left by Matilde of Tuscany's death?

• He ignored the situation

• He declared war on her supporters

• He made peace and took control of her lands

• He left the lands to the Pope

What was the outcome of Heinrich and Matilda's journey across the Alps?

• They were warmly welcomed

• They were forced to retreat

• They were captured by local forces

• They were met with resistance

Why did Heinrich install an antipope?

• To strengthen ties with the papal Curia

• To avoid conflict with the Pope

• To ensure Matilda's crowning as Empress

• To gain more power over the church

What was significant about Matilda's crowning as Empress?

• It was opposed by the imperial nobles

• It was held outside of Rome

• It was a symbolic ceremony without papal anointment

• It was a full coronation by the Pope

What title did Matilda carry for the rest of her life?

• Countess of Levan

• Matilda Imperatrix

• Duchess of Normandy

• Queen of Italy