KONRAD III., King of the Germans, the founder of the Hohenstaufen (q.v.) dynasty, was the son of Frederick of Swabia, and was b. in 1093. While under 20 years of age Konrad, with his elder brother Frederick, had bravely supported henry V. against his numerous enemies,- and in return that monarch granted Konrad the investiture of the duchy of Franconia: He subsequently contested the crown of Italy with the emperor Lothaire Of Saxony, but was compelled to resign his pretensions. On the death of Lothaire the princes of Germany, fearing the increasing preponderance of the Guelph. party, and attracted by his brilliant courage, moderation, and goodness, offered Konrad the crown, and he was accordingly formally elected at Aix-la-Chapelle, Feb. 21, 1138., He was immediately involved in a quarrel with Henry the proud, duke of Bavaria anti Saxony, and head of the Guelph party in Germany; and the struggle was continued under henry's son and successor, Henry the lion (q.v.). While Germany was thus convulsed the state of Italy was not a whit more peaceable„ The several belligerents besought Konrad's assistance, but he well knew the nattlral inconstancy of the Italians, and determined to stand aloof. Soon after this, St. Bernard of Clairvaux commenced to
preach it new crusade, and Konrad, seized with the general infatuation, set out for Pa] estine at the head of a large army ‘See CRUSADES) in company with his old enemy, Guelf of Bavaria. Guelph returned to Germany before Konrad, and with his nephew, Henry the lion, immediately renewed the attempt to gain possession of Bavaria, but their army being defeated at Flochberg, they were compelled to sue for peace. Konrad was now called upon to aid the duke of Ptiland against his rebellious subjects, and the pope and the northern Italians against Roger of Sicily; but while preparing for this latter expedi-. tion he was poisoned. Feb. 15, 1152, at Bamberg. Konrad was largely endowed with the virtues necessary for a great monarch. and, though himself unlearned, was a warm patron of science and letters. His marriage with a Greek princess was symbolized the two-headed eagle which figured on the arms of the emperor of Germany, and now appears on the arms of the sovereignof Austria, as heir to the German emperors.