Emperor Frederick II: Diplomacy by Power

Arab chroniclers converted him to Islam; and his family became related to that of Saladin. Christian history writers made him a philosopher, a consummate diplomat, and an icon of tolerance and multiculturalism. Emperor Frederick II would have been wondering about whom they were writing. He was none of that. If anything, he was the epitome of what Germans mean when talking of Realpolitik.

Emperor Frederick II

Emperor Frederick II: Expert Falconer

German historians in the 19th century promoted Emperor Frederick II of the Holy Roman Empire to diplomatic wonder worker. They showed him as a mild monarch and philosopher of enlightened tolerance. This contrasted starkly with his treatment of Muslims in Sicily. His reading habits were not those of a philosopher, either.

Emperor Frederick II

Emperor Frederick II and His Muslim Subjects

19th century historians stylized Emperor Frederick II of the Holy Roman Empire into an epitome of tolerance and diplomacy. This was just the end of centuries of history writing and myth building around his person. They were based on the assumption that he had been on friendly terms with Muslim rulers in the East, an avid scholar of all things Arab, and accepting Islam as a religion equal to Christianity.

Emperor Frederick II

The Wonder of The World: Emperor Frederick II

Hohenstaufen Frederick II Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire and King of Sicily was and still is regarded as a medieval thinker and philosopher. Many believe that he was breaking a lance for enlightenment and tolerance. Proof thereof is his supposed friendship with Muslim leaders. Question is: Is there any viable proof for this claimed friendship?

Emperor Frederick II

The Guelph Connection

Until 1918, German nobles didn’t have any family names; these only came into existence by act of parliament when the German Republic was created. Instead, the noble families were recognised as being part of ‘Houses’, and the tradition persists. Among them, the Guelph are looking back on over 1,000 years of history. 

HRH Christian Prince of Hanover