We have now to describe the most noteworthy event in the life of Henry IV., and the one which has made his name famous in history,—­his contest with the great ecclesiastic Hildebrand, who had become pope under the title of Gregory VII.  Though an aged man when raised to the papacy, Gregory’s vigorous character displayed itself in a remarkable activity in the enhancement of the power of the church.  His first important step was directed against the scandals of the priesthood in the matter of celibacy, the marriage of priests having become common.  A second decree of equal importance followed.  Gregory forbade the election of bishops by the laity, reserving this power to the clergy, under confirmation by the pope.  He further declared that the church was independent of the state, and that the extensive lands held by the bishops were the property of the church, and free from control by the monarch.

These radical decrees naturally aroused a strong opposition, in the course of which Henry came into violent controversy with the pope.  Gregory accused Henry openly of simony, haughtily bade him to come to Rome, and excommunicated the bishops who had been guilty of the same offence.  The emperor, who did not know the man with whom he had to deal, retorted by calling an assembly of the German bishops at Worms, in which the pope was declared to be deposed from his office.

The result was very different from that looked for by the volatile young ruler.  The vigorous and daring pontiff at once placed Henry himself under interdict, releasing his subjects from their oath of allegiance, and declaring him deprived of the imperial dignity.  The scorn with which the emperor heard of this decree was soon changed to terror when he perceived its effect upon his people.  The days were not yet come in which the voice of the pope could be disregarded.  With the exception of the people of the cities and the free peasantry, who were opposed to the papal dominion, all the subjects of the empire deserted Henry, avoiding him as though he were infected with the plague.  The Saxons flew to arms; the foreign garrisons were expelled; the imprisoned princes were released; all the enemies whom Henry had made rose against him; and in a diet, held at Oppenheim, the emperor was declared deposed while the interdict continued, and the pope was invited to visit Augsburg; in order to settle the affairs of Germany.  The election of a successor to Henry was even proposed, and, to prevent him from communicating with the pope, his enemies passed a decree that he should remain in close residence at Spires.

The situation of the recently great monarch had suddenly become desperate.  Never had a decree of excommunication against a crowned ruler been so completely effective.  The frightened emperor saw but one hope left, to escape to Italy before the princes could prevent him, and obtain release from the interdict at any cost, and with whatever humiliation it might involve.  With this end in view he at once took to flight, accompanied by Bertha, his infant son, and a single knight, and made his way with all haste towards the Alps.