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Empress Matilda, also known as Matilda of England, was born in 1102 as the daughter of King Henry I of England. She married Holy Roman Emperor Henry V, becoming Empress of the Holy Roman Empire. After his death, she returned to England and fought for her right to the English throne against her cousin, King Stephen, in a period known as The Anarchy. Matilda's claim was supported by many nobles, leading to a civil war that lasted for years. Though she never officially ruled as queen, her struggle paved the way for her son, Henry II, to become King of England. Matilda is remembered as a strong and determined woman who played a significant role in medieval English history.