Frederick
Barbarossa, also known as Frederick I, Holy Roman Emperor from 1155, was a
dominant figure in late 12th-century European history. He is remembered as
one of the greatest medieval German emperors; some even regard him as a
German hero. He brought peace to Germany, fought to maintain control over
Italian cities and engaged in a lengthy dispute with the papacy. Barbarossa
died on a Crusade to reclaim the Holy Land for Christianity. But despite his
efforts, his reign marked a decline in imperial authority, with defeats in
Italy and growing local power among German princes. Frederick
Barbarossa examines this paradox, revealing the realities and
limitations of monarchical power in medieval Europe. This is a cogent,
original and up-to-date analysis of Barbarossa, suitable for both students
and the general reader.