Henry the Lion, his cities and his tomb (Germany)

Henry the Lion was a member of the House of Welf born in 1129. In 1142 he became Duke of Saxony. In 1152 he had a big influence on the coronation of his cousin Frederick I Barbarossa as German King. For his part the thankful cousin helped Henry to become Duke of Bavaria in 1156. In the following years he established a king-like position in Northern Germany, which was viewed with mistrust by the other Saxon leaders. Henry also supported Frederick during his first Italian campaigns, but their relation worsened when Henry denied help in 1176. Frederick was defeated and Henry had to go to exile in England. Henry the Lion died in 1195.

Henry the Lion Fountain in Braunschweig

In the city of Braunschweig Henry the Lion built a centre of ducal representation. Important buildings of the period are the Brunswick Cathedral, the Dankwarderode Castle and the Brunswick Lion.

Also the city of Lübeck was supported by Henry the Lion. Actually there was a conflict with the city, but when it was destroyed by fire in 1158 Henry helped to rebuilt the city and fostered its overseas trade.

The Nazi Regime considered Henry the Lion as pioneer of the German eastward expansion and the Brunswick Cathedral became a destination of the völkisch pilgrimage. Henry's tomb was thus desecrated in 1935.