Harsha vs Lothair III

Harsha succeeded his father Prabhakaravardhana as ruler of Thanesar (in present-day Haryana). He was 16 years old and soon faced the challenge of avenging his brother-in-law's death and expanding his kingdom.

Harsha captured the city of Kannauj after defeating the Maukhari ruler Grahavarman's enemies. He made Kannauj his capital and established the Vardhana dynasty's control over the Gangetic plain, becoming the dominant power in northern India.

Harsha led military campaigns into Bengal and Odisha, defeating the Shashanka king of Gauda. He extended his empire eastward to the Bay of Bengal, though his control over these regions was not permanent.

Harsha attempted to expand southward but was defeated by the Chalukya king Pulakeshin II on the banks of the Narmada River. This battle halted Harsha's southern expansion and established the Narmada as the boundary between the two empires.

Harsha was a patron of Buddhism and supported the Nalanda University, a major center of Buddhist learning. He convened a grand Buddhist council at Kannauj attended by monks from across Asia, and built monasteries and stupas.

The Chinese Buddhist monk Xuanzang visited Harsha's court and spent time in the empire. Xuanzang's detailed accounts describe Harsha's administration, military, and religious tolerance, providing a key historical source for the period.

Lothair III was elected King of Germany in 1125 after the death of Henry V, ending the Salian dynasty. His election was contested by the Hohenstaufen family, leading to a prolonged civil war.

Lothair III defeated the Hohenstaufen forces at the Battle of the Unstrut in 1129, a key victory in the civil war against Conrad III. This battle weakened Hohenstaufen resistance and consolidated Lothair's rule.

Pope Innocent II crowned Lothair III Holy Roman Emperor in Rome on June 4, 1133. In return, Lothair supported Innocent II against the rival Pope Anacletus II, strengthening the papal alliance.

Lothair III led a second campaign to Italy in 1136-1137 to support Pope Innocent II against Roger II of Sicily. He captured parts of southern Italy but failed to dislodge Roger, and the campaign ended inconclusively.