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Historical FiguresHoly Roman Emperor, King

Frederick Barbarossa

1122 - 1190

Holy Roman Emperor called Red Beard who unified medieval Germany, led Third Crusade, and became legendary figure representing imperial power, military excellence, and medieval European leadership greatness.

Quick Facts

Born

1122

Died

1190

Profession

Holy Roman Emperor, King

Nationality

German

Biography

Frederick Barbarossa represents Holy Roman Empire greatest medieval emperor who unified disunited Germany, challenged papal authority, led Third Crusade, earning Red Beard nickname, legendary status, military excellence, imperial greatness. Birth (1122-1190) includes Duke Frederick II Swabia father, Judith Bavaria mother, Hohenstaufen-Welf blood unification, rival dynasties reconciliation, kingdom internal problems solution, noble heritage, imperial destiny. German king election March 4, 1152 following Conrad III death, Aachen coronation March 9, Italy king April 24, 1155 Pavia, Pope Adrian IV emperor coronation June 18, 1155 Rome, imperial progression, European leadership. Imperial ambitions encompass papal authority challenge, German predominance western Europe, northern Italy cities struggle 1154-1583, six major expeditions, Lombard League conflict, territorial expansion, political control. Religious conflicts include Pope Alexander III excommunication, imperial-papal supremacy dispute, 1176 peace agreement, excommunication lifting, religious-political reconciliation, authority compromise, diplomatic resolution. Third Crusade leadership includes Jerusalem Muslim capture 1187 response, England France kings alliance, Holy Land liberation vow, largest contingent leadership, 12,000-15,000 army, overland Palestine route, military organization. Saleph River death includes 1190 drowning accident, horse fall, rapid stream crossing attempt, crusade abandonment, legendary transformation, military legacy, imperial conclusion, mythical status creation. Modern recognition includes medieval military leader excellence, German unification achievement, papal reconciliation success, imperial greatness, historical education, medieval studies. Legendary status encompasses cave sleeping myth, Germany awakening prophecy, folklore transformation, cultural memory, national symbolism, medieval legend creating exceptional German imperial heritage, medieval greatness, international historical significance.

Historical Significance

One of the greatest medieval Holy Roman Emperors who re-established Roman law and dominated Central European politics

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