City logo of Cremona
August 05, 2011
Under Henry IV, king of the Romans (also referred to as King of the Germans) from 1056 and Holy Roman Emperor from 1084 until his forced abdication in 1105. He was the third emperor of the Salian dynasty and one of the most powerful and important figures of the 11th century, his reign was marked by the Investiture Controversy with the Papacy and several civil wars with pretenders to his throne in Italy and Germany, Cremona refused to pay the oppressive taxes requested by the Empire and the bishop. According to a legend, the great gonfaloniere (mayor) Giovanni Baldesio of Cremona faced the emperor himself in a duel. As Henry was knocked from his horse, the city was saved the annual payment of the 3 kg. golden ball, which, for that year, was instead given to Berta, Giovanni's girlfriend, as her dowry.