# Conrad III and the Hohenstaufen (1138)

URL: https://germany-history.com/timeline/1138-conrad-iii-and-the-hohenstaufen
Location: Koblenz
Categories: ruler-change

In 1138 Conrad III became the first Hohenstaufen king, bypassing the powerful Welf duke Henry the Proud. The rivalry between Staufer and Welfs dominated German politics for decades. In Italy the factions became known as Ghibellines and Guelphs.

## Why it matters
The Staufer-Welf feud shaped German and Italian politics for a century.

Ruler at the time: [Conrad III](https://germany-history.com/rulers/conrad-iii)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia – Conrad III of Germany](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conrad_III_of_Germany)
- [Wikipedia – Hohenstaufen](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hohenstaufen)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica – Conrad III of Germany](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Conrad-III)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica – Hohenstaufen](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Hohenstaufen-dynasty)