# The Great Interregnum (1254)

URL: https://germany-history.com/timeline/1254-the-great-interregnum
Location: Holy Roman Empire
Categories: main-event

After the Staufer collapse, rival and foreign kings such as William of Holland, Richard of Cornwall and Alfonso X of Castile claimed the German crown. Real power passed to the princes and cities. The period lasted until 1273.

## Why it matters
The empire became decentralised, a lasting feature of German history.

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

## Sources
- [Wikipedia – Interregnum (Holy Roman Empire)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interregnum_(Holy_Roman_Empire))
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica – Interregnum (Holy Roman Empire)](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Great-Interregnum)