Franconian Dynasty

(also Salian dynasty), a dynasty of German kings and emperors of the Holy Roman Empire f.om 1024 to 1125; it replaced the Saxon dynasty. The founder of the dynasty, Conrad II (ruled 1024–39), was the descendant of an aristocratic Franconian family. His successors were Henry III (ruled 1039–56), Henry IV (ruled 1056–1106), and Henry V (1106–25). Relying for support on the ministerials and knights, the members of the Franconian dynasty attempted to strengthen the king’s power in Germany. The reigns of Henry IV and Henry V were marked by a struggle with the papacy over investiture.