The Holy Roman Empire

The Holy Roman Empire was a complex political entity in Central Europe that began forming in the early Middle Ages and became prominent during the High Middle Ages (around the 11th to 13th centuries). It was a loose confederation of territories, including modern-day Germany, Austria, and parts of Italy and France, governed by an Emperor. The Empire sought to restore the unity of the Roman Empire, emphasizing its role in Christendom. While it had great influence, the Emperor often struggled to exert control over local princes and cities, leading to a decentralized political landscape marked by both cooperation and conflict.