Frederick VI, Duke of Swabia (b. 1167)

Frederick VI of Hohenstaufen, born in February 1167, was a significant, albeit short-lived, figure of the 12th century. As a scion of one of Europe's most powerful imperial dynasties, he held the esteemed title of Duke of Swabia from 1170 until his untimely demise on 20 January 1191, during the protracted and brutal Siege of Acre.

Born into the illustrious Hohenstaufen dynasty, Frederick VI was the third son of the revered Holy Roman Emperor Frederick I, famously known as Barbarossa. His familial connections placed him at the heart of European imperial power. He inherited the Duchy of Swabia, a significant territory within the Holy Roman Empire, in 1170 following the death of his elder brother, Frederick V. This succession, occurring when Frederick VI was merely three years old, underscored the continuous line of ducal authority within the Hohenstaufen family, ensuring stability and a strong presence in the Empire’s southern territories.

Frederick VI’s historical significance is largely tied to his participation in the Third Crusade (1189–1192), a major European military expedition launched to reclaim the Holy Land from Saladin’s Ayyubid forces. His father, Emperor Frederick Barbarossa, was one of the crusade's three principal leaders, alongside King Philip II of France and King Richard I of England. Frederick VI accompanied his father on this arduous journey, leading a substantial contingent of German crusaders through Anatolia. The German army faced immense challenges, including difficult terrain, hostile skirmishes, and the scorching climate. The Emperor's sudden death by drowning in the Saleph River (modern-day Göksu in Turkey) in June 1190 left the German forces in disarray and dramatically shifted the command structure. Following this devastating loss, Frederick VI, then a young man of just 23, bravely assumed leadership of the remaining German crusaders, demonstrating resilience and a commitment to his father's crusading vows despite the immense personal tragedy.

Frederick VI subsequently led the diminished German contingent to the coastal city of Acre, which had been under siege by crusader forces since August 1189. The Siege of Acre proved to be one of the most prolonged and brutal engagements of the Third Crusade, lasting for over two years. Conditions within the crusader camp were dire, characterized by severe overcrowding, inadequate sanitation, and rampant disease. Maladies such as dysentery, typhoid, and various camp fevers, likely including malaria, decimated the crusader ranks far more effectively than enemy swords. It was amidst these grim circumstances that Frederick VI of Hohenstaufen succumbed to illness on 20 January 1191. His death marked a further blow to the German presence in the Holy Land and left the remaining forces severely weakened. The city of Acre would eventually fall to the crusaders in July 1191, but only after enormous loss of life on both sides, with disease being a primary killer.

Frequently Asked Questions about Frederick VI of Hohenstaufen

Who was Frederick VI of Hohenstaufen?

He was the Duke of Swabia from 1170 until 1191 and the third son of Frederick I Barbarossa, the Holy Roman Emperor. He played a significant role in the German contingent during the Third Crusade.

How did Frederick VI become Duke of Swabia?

He inherited the title in 1170 following the death of his elder brother, Frederick V.

What was Frederick VI's role in the Third Crusade?

He accompanied his father, Emperor Frederick Barbarossa, on the crusade. After his father's death in 1190, Frederick VI assumed command of the remaining German crusader forces and led them to the Siege of Acre.

Where and when did Frederick VI die?

Frederick VI died on 20 January 1191 at the Siege of Acre, a major military engagement during the Third Crusade in the Holy Land. His death was primarily due to disease, common in the unsanitary conditions of the crusader camp.