Peter of Aspelt

Who was Peter of Aspelt?

Peter of Aspelt was Archbishop of Mainz from 1306 to 1320, and an influential political figure of the period. He brought the archbishopric to its peak of power.

He was born at Aspelt, Luxembourg, and was appointed to the leadership of the Archbishopric of Trier, with John Gylet. He was Bishop of Basel from 1296 to 1306. Once personal physician to Rudolf of Habsburg, he became an opponent of the Habsburgs on the wider European stage.

He was chancellor to Wenceslaus II, and supported Henry, Count of Luxemburg in his election as Holy Roman Emperor. He administered Luxembourg during the minority of Henry's son, John of Luxemburg, whom he helped become King of Bohemia. He also promoted, as an Elector, the cause of Henry's successor Louis IV, Holy Roman Emperor.

A 1310 confrontation with the Knights Templar led in due course to his taking a protective line towards them.