Frederick II

Frederick II was born to Conrad III of Germany and Gertrude of Sulzbach. He was named after his grandfather, Frederick I, Duke of Swabia.

Upon the death of his father, Conrad III, Frederick II inherits the Duchy of Swabia, a significant territory within the Holy Roman Empire.

Frederick II is elected King of Germany and crowned in Aachen, succeeding his uncle, Conrad III, as the head of the Hohenstaufen dynasty.

Frederick II is crowned Holy Roman Emperor by Pope Adrian IV in Rome, solidifying his position as the most powerful ruler in Central Europe.

Frederick II marries Beatrice of Burgundy, heiress to the Kingdom of Burgundy, strengthening his territorial claims in the region.

Frederick II is crowned with the Iron Crown of Lombardy in Pavia, symbolizing his authority over Northern Italy and the Lombard League.

Frederick II leads a successful campaign against Milan, a major city in the Lombard League, and destroys the city, demonstrating his military prowess.

Frederick II supports the founding of the University of Bologna, which becomes a center of legal and medical studies, enhancing his reputation as a patron of learning.

Frederick II suffers a significant defeat at the Battle of Legnano, where the Lombard League, led by Milan, successfully resists his imperial authority.

Frederick II signs the Peace of Venice, ending the conflict with the Lombard League and the Papacy, and recognizing the autonomy of the Italian cities.

Frederick II concludes the Peace of Constance with the Lombard cities, acknowledging their rights and privileges, and securing peace in Northern Italy.

Frederick II leads the German contingent of the Third Crusade, aiming to recapture the Holy Land from the Muslims, but dies en route in Sicily.

Frederick II dies while on the Third Crusade, reportedly from drowning in the Saleph River in Cilicia, leaving his empire to his son, Henry VI.