Henry IV of the Holy Roman Empire was born in 1050 and became king at a young age. He ruled from 1056 until his death in 1106. His reign was marked by significant conflicts, particularly with the Pope over the issue of investiture, which involved the appointment of bishops and church officials. Henry IV's struggle for power led to the famous Walk to Canossa in 1077, where he sought forgiveness from Pope Gregory VII after being excommunicated. This event highlighted the tension between the monarchy and the papacy during the Investiture Controversy, a key conflict in medieval Europe.