Frederick Barbarossa, born in December 1122 in Haguenau, was the son of Duke Frederick II of the Hohenstaufen dynasty and Judith of Bavaria. He inherited the title of Duke of Swabia in 1147 and was elected King of Germany on 4 March 1152, crowned in Aachen shortly thereafter. He was crowned King of Italy in Pavia on 24 April 1155 and became Holy Roman Emperor on 18 June 1155, a title that first included the term 'sacrum' in official documents. Frederick's reign was marked by his efforts to restore imperial authority in Germany and Italy, which had been weakened by the Investiture Controversy.Frederick joined the Third Crusade, embarking on an overland journey to the Holy Land. In June 1190, he drowned in the Saleph River while attempting to cross it, leading to the disbandment of much of his army. His early life included participation in the Second Crusade, where he faced numerous challenges, including a disastrous campaign against the Turks and the siege of Damascus.Upon becoming king, Frederick sought to restore order in Germany, which was fragmented into over 1,600 states. He issued a general order for peace and made concessions to the nobility. His first Italian campaign in 1154 aimed to assert control over the Normans in Sicily, leading to his coronation as emperor. However, his relationship with the papacy was contentious, particularly after he supported an antipope, leading to his excommunication by Pope Alexander III.Frederick's subsequent Italian campaigns were characterized by military successes and failures, including the capture and destruction of Milan. His defeat at the Battle of Legnano in 1176 marked a turning point, forcing him to negotiate peace with the Lombard League and recognize Alexander III as pope. The Peace of Venice in 1177 formalized this reconciliation, while the Peace of Constance in 1183 granted the Italian cities the right to elect their own magistrates.In 1178, Frederick was crowned King of Burgundy, further consolidating his power. His conflicts with Henry the Lion, Duke of Saxony, culminated in Henry's downfall in 1180, as Frederick stripped him of his titles and lands. Despite these victories, Frederick faced ongoing challenges from the German princes, who were increasingly asserting their independence.Frederick's economic policies began to take shape in the late 1160s, promoting trade and increasing the number of mints in Germany. His reign saw significant economic growth, although the extent of his influence on this development is debated. He also revived the study of Roman law, which provided a framework for his imperial ambitions.Frederick's legacy is complex, with his reign viewed as a significant period in the history of the Holy Roman Empire. His efforts to unify Germany and assert imperial authority in Italy were met with both success and resistance, shaping the political landscape of medieval Europe.