Gone Medieval: The Crusader Emperor – Frederick Barbarossa

Podcast Episode: The Crusader Emperor: Frederick Barbarossa
Host: History Hit
Release Date: June 3, 2025
Participants: Matt Lewis, Dr. Eleanor Jaenega, Professor Graham Loud

Introduction to Frederick Barbarossa

Timestamp: [02:01]

Dr. Eleanor Jaenega opens the episode by delving into the legendary figure of Frederick Barbarossa, addressing the intriguing blend of myth and history surrounding him. She narrates a captivating tale of Barbarossa's mythical slumber under the Kiefhauser Mountains in Thuringia, where he awaits a sign to awaken and restore the German lands to their former glory.

Dr. Eleanor Jaenega: "Why Barbarossa? What is it about this emperor in particular that has inspired such romantic legends and made him into one of the few medieval household names to sort fact from fiction and legacy from legend?"
[02:01]

Historical Significance of Barbarossa's Reign

Timestamp: [04:24]

Joined by Professor Graham Loud, author of the biography Frederick Barbarossa, Matt Lewis and Dr. Jaenega explore Barbarossa's long and impactful reign as Holy Roman Emperor. Barbarossa ruled Germany from 1152 to 1190 and was crowned emperor in 1155, overseeing a significant period marked by his attempts to strengthen imperial control, especially in Italy.

Matt Lewis: "Frederick Barbarossa was king of Germany from 1152 to 1190, and he was crowned emperor in 1155. So he had a very long reign, and it is historically a very significant reign, particularly with regard to the German emperor's relationship with Italy."
[04:26]

Imperial Control and Relations with Italy and Germany

Timestamp: [11:22]

Professor Loud provides an overview of the Holy Roman Empire during the 12th century, emphasizing its vast yet loosely governed territories. Barbarossa's strategy involved frequent campaigns in Italy to assert imperial authority over the economically prosperous and politically fragmented northern Italian city-states.

Matt Lewis: "Barbarossa was undoubtedly focused on Italy, but that was precisely because his immediate predecessors have not been. He spent a lot of time damping down dispute among the princes, particularly with regard to the most powerful among the princes, Henry of the Lion, Duke of Saxony."
[16:01]

The Lombard League and Italian Resistance

Timestamp: [21:07]

The discussion shifts to the significant resistance Barbarossa faced in Italy, particularly from the Lombard League—a coalition of northern Italian cities united to oppose imperial control. Professor Loud details how initial successes in subduing cities like Milan eventually backfired, leading to sustained and organized opposition that severely hampered Barbarossa's ambitions in Italy.

Matt Lewis: "By 1162, it looked as though Barbaross had won. He'd besieged Milan, he'd forced the city to surrender... over the next few years, Barbarossa rather overplays his hand."
[15:34]

Mythology and 19th-Century Romanticism

Timestamp: [45:00]

Dr. Jaenega and Professor Loud explore the romanticization of Barbarossa in the 19th century, highlighting how figures like King William I and Adolf Hitler appropriated his legacy to serve nationalist narratives. This era solidified Barbarossa's image as a heroic and unifying figure, despite historical complexities.

Professor Graham Loud: "You have a great dose of 19th century romanticism in… the Brothers Grimm poetry of Friedrich Ruckert. For example, here's a poem called 'Alta Barbarossa,' which speaks of Barbarossa awakening to rescue Fatherland in danger."
[45:30]

Barbarossa's Crusading Activities

Timestamp: [30:01]

The conversation turns to Barbarossa's involvement in the Crusades, particularly the Second and Third Crusades. Professor Loud notes Barbarossa's strategic approach during the Third Crusade, contrasting it with the earlier, less organized expeditions. His efforts to streamline the army and conduct diplomatic negotiations exemplify his tactical acumen.

Dr. Eleanor Jaenega: "Barbarossa is such a clever leader for attempting to make these particular inroads before he ever sets off. And we very rarely see planning on this level when it comes to Crusade."
[34:44]

Death and Legacy

Timestamp: [38:32]

Barbarossa's untimely death during the Third Crusade is discussed, with differing accounts on how he drowned in a river. Despite his demise, his army remained formidable but ultimately succumbed to an epidemic in Antioch. His death marked the end of active imperial ambitions but left a lasting impact on the political landscape of Europe.

Matt Lewis: "Depending on which account you read, either he was crossing the river and was swept off his horse... or he went for a swim and drowned."
[37:07]

Concluding Thoughts on Barbarossa's Impact

Timestamp: [47:31]

In wrapping up, Professor Loud assesses Barbarossa's legacy as a pivotal figure whose reign significantly influenced the political fragmentation of the Holy Roman Empire. Barbarossa's attempts to centralize power inadvertently paved the way for the rise of numerous principalities and city-states, a fragmentation that persisted into the late Middle Ages and beyond.

Matt Lewis: "Barbaross's reign was catastrophic for the effective power of the Roman Emperor, both in Italy, but also in Germany... His reign was the tipping point where princely authority develops with the emperor most of the time just benevolently rubber stamping this and often making concessions to individual princes."
[47:04]

Dr. Eleanor Jaenega: "It's interesting because Barbarossa is seen as the great heroic figure, the medieval empire, who always fought his corner, fought for the empire, the great patriot. Now, whether Barbarossa would have seen himself as a patriot I very much doubt."
[45:43]

Final Reflections

Timestamp: [48:35]

Dr. Jaenega expresses her appreciation for the episode, reflecting on Barbarossa's complex legacy and the enduring myths that surround him. The discussion underscores the importance of distinguishing historical facts from later romanticized interpretations.

Dr. Eleanor Jaenega: "I think Barbaross's reign was a very, very important one. But I think it was important less because of his short term gains, but more by the way that in the long run it sowed the seeds for the state of Europe in the late Middle Ages."
[48:35]

Notable Quotes

1. Dr. Eleanor Jaenega: "Why Barbarossa? What is it about this emperor in particular that has inspired such romantic legends and made him into one of the few medieval household names to sort fact from fiction and legacy from legend?"
   [02:01]

2. Matt Lewis: "Frederick Barbarossa was king of Germany from 1152 to 1190, and he was crowned emperor in 1155. So he had a very long reign, and it is historically a very significant reign, particularly with regard to the German emperor's relationship with Italy."
   [04:26]

3. Matt Lewis: "And this mythology that here is going to be some kind of great national savior."
   [45:31]

4. Professor Graham Loud: "Barbaross's reign was catastrophic for the effective power of the Roman Emperor, both in Italy, but also in Germany."
   [47:31]

5. Dr. Eleanor Jaenega: "It's seen through terms of late 19th century Germany in the age of Bismarck. It's essentially anachronistic, but it does tell you quite a lot about intellectual life in the age of Bismarck."
   [45:30]

Conclusion

In this episode of Gone Medieval, Matt Lewis and Dr. Eleanor Jaenega, with insights from Professor Graham Loud, provide a comprehensive exploration of Frederick Barbarossa's reign. They dissect his political maneuvers, military campaigns, and the enduring legends that have immortalized him. The discussion highlights the crucial role Barbarossa played in shaping the political fragmentation of the Holy Roman Empire and examines how 19th-century romanticism transformed his historical narrative. This episode serves as an enlightening resource for listeners seeking to understand the complexities of medieval European politics and the myth-making processes that elevate historical figures like Barbarossa to legendary status.