Frederick I Barbarossa is elected King of Germany.

Frederick I, better known to history as Frederick Barbarossa (1122 – 10 June 1190), stood as a towering figure during the High Middle Ages, serving as the Holy Roman Emperor for 35 impactful years, from 1155 until his death. His reign was a remarkable period for Central Europe, characterized by both ambitious campaigns and profound legal reforms. The name "Barbarossa," meaning "red beard" in Italian, was affectionately (or perhaps intimidatingly) bestowed upon him by the northern Italian cities he sought to govern. In his native German lands, he was known as Kaiser Rotbart, or "Emperor Redbeard," a fitting moniker that underscored his distinctive appearance and powerful persona. The enduring prevalence of his Italian nickname, even in later German usage, vividly illustrates just how central his numerous campaigns and engagements in Italy were to his illustrious career.

A Ruler Forged from Noble Blood

Before ascending to the imperial throne, Frederick inherited the Duchy of Swabia in 1147, reigning as Frederick III until 1152. His lineage was impeccable, placing him at the crossroads of Germany's most powerful families. He was the son of Duke Frederick II of the influential Hohenstaufen dynasty and Judith, a daughter of Henry IX, Duke of Bavaria, from the rival House of Welf. This strategic blend of ancestry from two leading German families made him an exceptionally acceptable and indeed formidable choice for the Empire's powerful prince-electors, paving the way for his eventual imperial dignity.

The Path to Imperial Power

Frederick's journey to becoming Holy Roman Emperor was marked by a series of significant coronations that solidified his authority across various realms. He was first elected King of Germany in Frankfurt on 4 March 1152, swiftly followed by his coronation in Aachen just five days later, on 9 March 1152. His ambitions didn't stop there; he was crowned King of Italy in Pavia on 24 April 1155. The ultimate validation of his power came on 18 June 1155, when Pope Adrian IV crowned him Emperor in Rome. Two years later, a pivotal shift occurred when the term sacrum ("holy") first formally appeared in documents connected to his empire, underscoring the growing spiritual and symbolic weight of his rule. Later in his reign, on 30 June 1178, he was also formally crowned King of Burgundy at Arles, further extending his vast dominion.

A Legacy of Vision and Strength

Historians widely regard Frederick Barbarossa as one of the greatest medieval emperors of the Holy Roman Empire. His contemporaries often viewed him as almost superhuman, a perception fostered by his exceptional longevity, boundless ambition, extraordinary organizational skills, keen battlefield acumen, and profound political perspicacity. His contributions profoundly shaped Central European society and culture. Notably, he was instrumental in the reestablishment of the Corpus Juris Civilis, the Roman rule of law. This revival provided a crucial counterbalance to the extensive papal power that had come to dominate the German states since the conclusion of the divisive Investiture Controversy, reasserting imperial authority and a more secular legal framework.

Barbarossa's Enduring Symbolism and Final Journey

The immense popularity and notoriety of Frederick Barbarossa meant that, in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, he was frequently "instrumentalized" as a potent political symbol by various movements and regimes. From the Italian Risorgimento, which sought national unification, to the Wilhelmine government in Germany (especially under Emperor Wilhelm I) and even the National Socialist movement, Barbarossa's image was invoked, resulting in both "golden" legends of heroism and "dark" legends of authoritarian power. Today, modern researchers are meticulously exploring Frederick's multifaceted legacy, diligently attempting to peel back these layers of myth to reconstruct the true historical figure. These ongoing efforts continually yield fresh perspectives on both the emperor as an individual and the broader social developments that unfolded during and after his era.

Ultimately, Frederick Barbarossa's storied life came to an end in 1190 in Asia Minor. He met his death while bravely leading his army during the Third Crusade, a fittingly epic conclusion for an emperor whose life was defined by conquest, governance, and an unyielding pursuit of imperial grandeur.

Frequently Asked Questions about Frederick Barbarossa

Who was Frederick Barbarossa?
Frederick Barbarossa, also known as Frederick I, was a prominent Holy Roman Emperor who reigned from 1155 until his death in 1190. He was also Duke of Swabia, King of Germany, King of Italy, and King of Burgundy.
What does "Barbarossa" mean?
The name "Barbarossa" means "red beard" in Italian. He was also known as Kaiser Rotbart ("Emperor Redbeard") in German.
When did Frederick Barbarossa reign as Holy Roman Emperor?
He reigned as Holy Roman Emperor from 1155 until his death in 1190, a period of 35 years.
What was his family background?
Frederick Barbarossa was a descendant of two of Germany's most powerful families: the Hohenstaufen dynasty (through his father, Duke Frederick II) and the House of Welf (through his mother, Judith).
What were some of his key achievements?
He is celebrated for his ambitious campaigns, his extensive administrative and political skills, and notably for the reestablishment of the Roman rule of law (the Corpus Juris Civilis), which helped to balance papal power in the German states.
How did Frederick Barbarossa die?
He died in 1190 in Asia Minor while leading his army during the Third Crusade.
Why is he considered one of the greatest medieval emperors?
Historians cite his longevity, ambition, organizational skills, battlefield acumen, and political shrewdness, along with his significant legal reforms and impact on Central European society, as reasons for his high regard.