Frederick II, Holy Roman Emperor
1194–1250 · Hohenstaufen (Jesi, Italy / Palermo, Sicily) · High Medieval Europe, Crusades
Known for: "Stupor Mundi" (Wonder of the World)—the most intellectually brilliant medieval ruler who won Jerusalem through negotiation, not war
Frederick II was the most remarkable European ruler of the Middle Ages. Raised in multicultural Sicily, he spoke six languages, studied Islamic science, corresponded with Muslim scholars, performed experiments on digestion, and kept a menagerie including an elephant. He recaptured Jerusalem through diplomacy with the Sultan al-Kamil—the only Crusader to win the city without bloodshed.
The Pope excommunicated him twice and called him the Antichrist. He didn't care.
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