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Who's Who in Medieval History and the Renaissance


Frederick I "Barbarossa"

c. 1123-1190

Crusader
Emperor

 

Europe: Germany

Frederick "Barbarossa" (Italian for "redbeard") was a duke of Swabia, a German King, and Holy Roman Emperor. He spent much of his reign engaged in a long struggle with Pope Alexander III, who sought to establish the papacy independently from the empire and excommunicated Frederick.

The emperor attempted to establish the German states as preeminent in Europe and fought in ongoing wars with northern Italy. He drowned on the Third Crusade while trying to cross the Saleph River.


Important Dates

Elected emperor: March 4, 1152
Crowned emperor: June 18, 1155
Died: June 10, 1190


On the Web

Catholic Encyclopedia: Frederick I
Thorough biography by F. Kampers.

Germany during the Crusades: Frederick I (1152-1190)
Concise overview of the significance of Frederick's reign by Dr. E. L. Knox at Boise State University.

Peace of the Land Established by Frederick Barbarossa Between 1152 and 1157 A.D.
Document issued by Frederick I, provided online at the Yale Law School Avalon Project.


Related Resources

Medieval Europe
A multi-page index of sites covering Early Europe, the Carolingian Empire, general history of the continent, and various topics in European history.

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