Frederick I, Holy Roman Emperor

Quick Facts: Who was Frederick I, Holy Roman Emperor?

Subject:

Frederick I, Holy Roman Emperor

Known for:

Holy Roman Emperor who reigned from 1155 to 1190, known for his military campaigns.

Born:

1122

Died:

1190-06-10

Century / Era:

1122s Historical Era Archive

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Frederick Barbarossa (December 1122 – 10 June 1190), also known as Frederick I (German: Friedrich; Italian: Federico), was the Holy Roman Emperor from 1155 until his death in 1190. He was elected King of Germany in Frankfurt on 4 March 1152 and crowned in Aachen on 9 March 1152. He was crowned King of Italy on 24 April 1155 in Pavia and emperor by Pope Adrian IV on 18 June 1155 in Rome.

Career & Major Achievements

Two years later, the term sacrum ("holy") first appeared in a document in connection with his empire. He was later formally crowned King of Burgundy, at Arles on 30 June 1178.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

and was never employed in medieval Germany" (the colour red was "also associated in the Middle Ages with malice and a hot temper"; in reality, Frederick's hair was "blond", although his beard was described by a contemporary as "reddish"). In German, he was known as Kaiser Rotbart, which in English means "Emperor Redbeard".

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1122: Birth of Frederick I, Holy Roman Emperor — Holy Roman Emperor who reigned from 1155 to 1190, known for his military campaigns.
2. 1152: 1152 Milestone — He was elected King of Germany in Frankfurt on 4 March 1152 and crowned in Aachen on 9 March 1152.
3. 1155: 1155 Milestone — He was crowned King of Italy on 24 April 1155 in Pavia and emperor by Pope Adrian IV on 18 June 1155 in Rome.
4. 1178: 1178 Milestone — He was later formally crowned King of Burgundy, at Arles on 30 June 1178.
5. 1190 (1190-06-10): Passing & Historical Legacy — Frederick I, Holy Roman Emperor passed away on 1190-06-10, leaving an enduring historical legacy.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Frederick I, Holy Roman Emperor

True or False: “True or False: Frederick Barbarossa's nickname, 'Barbarossa' (Red Beard), was used by German chroniclers during his lifetime to distinguish him from other emperors.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): The nickname 'Barbarossa' was first used by the Florentines much later, in 1298, to differentiate him from his grandson, Frederick II, and was not commonly employed in medieval Germany during his active years.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Al-Hariri of Basra — Contemporary (Died in 1122) (1122): Renowned Arab poet and scholar, celebrated for elevating the Maqama literary genre.
• Frederick Barbarossa — Contemporary (Born in 1122) (1122): Holy Roman Emperor who dominated Italian politics and expanded imperial authority.
• Jayavarman VII — Contemporary (Born in 1122) (1122): Powerful Khmer monarch who championed Buddhism and built extensive welfare infrastructure.
• Ivan Asen II — Contemporary (Born in 1190) (1190): Emperor of Bulgaria, who restored the Second Bulgarian Empire's power and influence.
• Saigyō — Contemporary (Died in 1190) (1190): Master Japanese poet of the late Heian and early Kamakura period.
• Sundiata Keita — Contemporary (Born in 1190) (1190): Founder and first great ruler of the powerful Mali Empire.
• Adolph Zukor — Shared historical date (06-10 · Died) (1976): Pioneering Hungarian-American film producer, co-founder of Paramount Pictures.
• Alessandro Algardi — Shared historical date (06-10 · Died) (1654): Master of High-Baroque Sculpture, renowned for his portrait busts in Rome.
• Alfonso VIII of Castile — Historical peer (Born in 1155) (1155): King of Castile and Toledo, pivotal figure in the Christian Reconquista against the Almohads.
• Benkei — Historical peer (Born in 1155) (1155): Legendary warrior monk renowned for immense strength and unwavering loyalty.
• 1122 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1122
• 1190 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1190
• June 10 (06-10) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on June 10

Frequently Asked Questions about Frederick I, Holy Roman Emperor