 Matildas death on July 24, 1115 caused Henry, accompanied only by a small contingent, to leave for Italy in February 1116 in order to secure his inheritance of the enormous property complex in Upper and Central Italy.In addition, he wished to stabilize Salian rule in Northern Italy and create a new power base against the overpowering opposition in the northern part of the empire.He had issued a whole series of court documents in advance, with which he intended to present himself as guarantor of law and justice in Italy.