Frederick II of Sicily

MedievalEmperorHoly Roman Empire1194 — 1250

Holy Roman Emperor who negotiated the return of Jerusalem.

Compare:vs Napoleon vs Julius Caesar

Quick Facts

Born

1194

Died

1250

Country

Holy Roman Empire

Era

Medieval

Occupation

Emperor

Score Overview

Military (10%)35

Political (20%)75

Influence (20%)65

Legacy (20%)60

Leadership (15%)87

Strategy (15%)72

Total Score67.3

Frederick II of Sicily — Complete Timeline

1227 AD

Excommunication by Pope Gregory IXPolitical Action◆ Major

Frederick II was excommunicated by Pope Gregory IX for failing to fulfill his crusade vow. This excommunication led to a long conflict between Frederick and the Papacy, weakening the Holy Roman Empire.

PapacyConflict

Impact: regionaldestructive

1229 AD

Treaty of JaffaPolitical Action

Frederick II negotiated the Treaty of Jaffa with Sultan al-Kamil of Egypt. The treaty returned Jerusalem, Bethlehem, and Nazareth to Christian control without a battle, marking a diplomatic victory for Frederick.

CrusadeTreatyJerusalem

Impact: regionalconstructive

Coronation as King of JerusalemPolitical Action◆ Major

Frederick II crowned himself King of Jerusalem in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in March 1229. This act was controversial because he was excommunicated by the Pope at the time.

Crusader StatesCoronation

Impact: regional

1231 AD

Promulgation of the Constitutions of MelfiReform◆ Major

Frederick II issued the Constitutions of Melfi, a comprehensive legal code for the Kingdom of Sicily. The code centralized royal authority, reformed the judiciary, and promoted economic development.

LawReformSicily

Impact: regionalconstructive

1237 AD

Battle of CortenuovaWar◆ Major

Frederick II defeated the Lombard League at the Battle of Cortenuova. The victory strengthened his control over northern Italy but did not end the League's resistance.

ItalyBattleLombard League

Impact: regional