1194–1250 · Holy Roman emperor and leader of the Sixth Crusade
Frederick II
Emperor who, through diplomacy rather than war, secured Jerusalem's temporary return to Latin rule in 1229.
BIOGRAPHICAL DOSSIER
Life and historical role
Life and political setting
Frederick was a son of Emperor Henry VI and Constance of Sicily and ruled a composite monarchy extending across Germany, Italy and Sicily. Repeated delay in fulfilling his crusading vow deepened conflict with the papacy and led to his excommunication in 1227. His court also maintained sustained contacts with the Arabic-speaking Mediterranean.
Role in the Crusades
Frederick sailed east while excommunicated in 1228. By the Treaty of Jaffa with al-Kamil, Jerusalem, Bethlehem and Nazareth passed to Latin control for ten years while the Haram al-Sharif remained under Muslim administration. Frederick crowned himself in Jerusalem and soon returned to Europe, leaving a settlement criticised in both Latin and Muslim circles.
Biographical information is linked to the sources shown on the page and to the connected event records. Disputed dates are given as approximate, gaps are not filled by conjecture, and later literary or visual depictions are not treated as contemporary portraits.