Henry IV was king of Germany during 1056-1105 and Holy Roman emperor during 1084-1105. He was the third Holy Roman emperor of the Salian (or Franconian) dynasty. Under his rule, the Holy Roman Empire and the Catholic Church began a long struggle for supremacy in Europe. His reign was characterized by continual difficulties balancing his loyalties to his German nobles and to the papacy. He began the Investiture Controversy by insisting on his right, as a secular ruler, to choose bishops and other high Church officials. SOURCE of URL:http://ancienthistory.abc-clio.com/Search/Display/1085661?terms=holy+roman+emperor