Albert of Brandenburg vs Emperor Go-Sanjo

Albert was appointed Archbishop of Magdeburg at age 23, a position that made him a prince-elector of the Holy Roman Empire. This appointment was part of a pluralism of benefices that concentrated significant ecclesiastical and political power in his hands.

Albert was appointed Archbishop-Elector of Mainz, the highest-ranking ecclesiastical prince in the Holy Roman Empire. This position gave him a vote in imperial elections and control over the largest archdiocese in Germany, making him a key figure in imperial politics.

Albert authorized the sale of indulgences in his territories to repay debts incurred from his appointments. This practice, promoted by Johann Tetzel, sparked Martin Luther's Ninety-five Theses and the beginning of the Protestant Reformation.

Albert was a patron of the arts and humanist scholarship, commissioning works from artists like Albrecht D

Albert opposed the Protestant Reformation and remained a staunch Catholic. He supported the Edict of Worms, which banned Luther's teachings, and used his influence to suppress Protestantism in his territories, though with limited success.

Upon ascending the throne, Go-Sanjo sought to govern without a Fujiwara regent, breaking the tradition of Fujiwara control over the imperial succession. He appointed non-Fujiwara officials and issued edicts directly, challenging the regency system.

Go-Sanjo implemented policies to reclaim tax-exempt lands held by temples and aristocrats, aiming to strengthen imperial finances. These reforms reduced the economic power of the Fujiwara and other noble houses, though they faced resistance.

Go-Sanjo abdicated in favor of his son Shirakawa but continued to exert influence from retirement, laying the groundwork for the cloistered government system. This allowed retired emperors to rule behind the scenes, bypassing Fujiwara regents.