Conradin and the Royal Election. A Study of the Last Hohenstaufen Electoral Efforts in the Holy Roman Empire

Abstract

This paper examines the attempts to elevate the Hohenstaufen heir Conradin to King of the Romans during the Interregnum. Drawing mainly on papal letters and, for the final attempt, a fictional election protocol from his chancery, it analyses the political context of 1256, 1262, and 1266/67 and the growing papal opposition. It also shows how Conradin’s actions as Duke of Swabia reflected his royal ambitions. The study argues that while early plans remained tentative, the 1266/67 attempt posed a real threat in papal eyes, yet ultimately all efforts