Philip of Swabia

Philip of Swabia became king in 1198 after his brother Henry VI's death left the Hohenstaufen empire without a clear successor — the rightful heir was a child, and the realm fractured. A rival election the same year put Otto of Brunswick on the throne too, splitting Germany between two crowned kings. For ten years Philip fought through money, ritual, diplomacy, and arms to consolidate his claim, slowly gaining ground across the Alps. By 1208 he'd nearly won: Otto was losing support, Philip's kingship was holding. Then on 21 June someone killed him. Otto took the throne unopposed, and Philip be…