Frederick Hohenstaufen, also known as Frederick Barbarossa, became Emperor Frederick I of the Holy Roman Empire in 1152, succeeding his uncle Conrad III. With a reign that lasted until 1190, he has been remembered as not only a long-lived emperor but a successful one, who triumphed in politics, culture, and on the battlefield.
But in reality, Frederick’s military campaigns were mixed in their effectiveness and impact.
The Second Crusade
Frederick gained substantial military experience before becoming emperor. This came in part from participation in one of the most prestigious military endeavors available to a medieval European noble – crusading.
