1156. Henry the Lion, of the Guelf line, has Bavaria restored to him. Austria erected into a duchy.
1157. Pope Adrian, in a letter to the German Emperor, asserts Germany to be a papal benefice; Frederick resists the claim.
Poland is compelled by Emperor Frederick I to pay him homage.
1158. Eric IX of Sweden conquers the coast of Finland and builds Abo.
Frederick I, Barbarossa, a second time invades Italy; he captures Milan.
1159. Election of Pope Alexander III; Frederick I creates an anti-pope, Victor IV.
War ensues between Henry II of England and Louis VII of France; the former claiming the county of Toulouse, Southern France.
1160. Emperor Frederick I calls the Council of Pavia; it declares Victor to be pope; Alexander excommunicates them all.
1161. Peace concluded between Henry II and Louis VII; they acknowledge Alexander as pope. The kings of Denmark, Norway, Bohemia, and Hungary declare in favor of Victor.
Henry II limits the papal authority in England.