Philip of Swabia

Philip of Swabia (1177–1208), youngest son of Emperor Frederick Barbarossa, was raised for a church career but left the clergy in 1193 and inherited the Duchy of Swabia in 1196. In 1197 he married Irene Angelina, Isaac II's daughter.

After Henry VI died leaving an infant heir, Philip was elected King of the Romans in March 1198; the Welf Otto IV was elected a rival king three months later, opening the German throne dispute. By 1204 Philip held the upper hand, but in June 1208 he was murdered at Bamberg by count palatine Otto of Wittelsbach.