King Henry IV of Germany was a significant ruler in the Holy Roman Empire during the late 11th century. He reigned from 1056 until his death in 1106 and is best known for his conflicts with the papacy, particularly with Pope Gregory VII. These disputes were part of the larger struggle between church and state, known as the Investiture Controversy, which centered on the appointment of bishops. Henry IV's reign was marked by political instability and rebellion. He faced challenges from powerful nobles and was eventually forced to seek forgiveness from Pope Gregory VII in 1077 at Canossa, a moment that symbolized the tension between secular and religious authority. His legacy includes the ongoing struggle for power between the monarchy and the church in medieval Europe.