WHI-Chap20-Frederick Barbarossa

Frederick Barbarossa (r.1152-1190) , also known as Frederick I "the red beard", was a "vigorous and gallant" (Traditions and Encounters, 512) medieval emperor who controlled southern Germany. Frederick planned to absorb the wealthy and urban kingdom of Lombardy, located in northern Italy. The capture of the kingdom of Lombardy would enable him to build a strong empire that could dominate much of Europe. The popes did not agree to this idea, for they feared they would lose power. Therefore, they "marshaled support from other European states on behalf of Italian cities" (Traditions and Encounters, 512) which forced Barbarossa to give up his claim on the lands in Lombardy. Hence, the papacy "forstalled the transformation of the Holy Roman Empire into a powerful state" (Traditions and Encounters, 512).

Created by: Haley Cambra WHI Second Semester Home