Germany: Icon of Henry I (876-936), King of East Francia, from the book Icones imperatorvm romanorvm, ex priscis numismatibus ad viuum delineatae, & breui narratione historica, 1645

Henry I (876-936), also known as Henry the Fowler, was son of Otto the Illustrious, Duke of Saxony, and became duke himself in 912. He was of Saxon descent, and often was in conflict with his southern neighbours. He became king of East Francia in 919 after King Cornad I's death, named as the king's successor on his deathbed, becoming the first non-Frankish king.

Henry's election to king had not been supported by all the dukes, so he warred to bring them in line, especially against Duke Arnulf of Bavaria, who he finally defeated in 921 and forced to submit. He was too weak to impose absolutist rule, and instead regarded East Francia as a confederation of stem duchies, administering his power through counts and allowing the dukes large internal autonomy. He warred against the Magyars, Slavs and Danes, as well as against West Francia over Lotharingia.

Henry died in 936, having prevented collapse of royal power in East Francia, and leaving a much stronger kingdom for his successor Otto I. He established the Ottonian Dynasty and is generally considered the founder and first king of the mediaeval German state.

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