Hello and welcome to the history of the Germans.

Episode 77, The Nail in the Coffin.

This week we take a look at the reign of Frederick II in Germany from 1212 to 1220.

Most of what he did was putting a nail in an actual coffin, while also putting

the metaphorical nail into the carcass of imperial rule in Germany.

And was that such a bad thing? What happens when the Emperor just hands out what is left

of the royal demean?

Cathedrals go up, princes hold splendid courts, and none of them

think about disturbing the peace in Italy. If you are king of Sicily, that is a near perfect result.

And if you are the Pope, even more so. In particular, when Frederick II throws in a brand-new crusade,

and swears on all that is holy that he would

never, ever pursue a link-up between Sicily and the Empire. Everybody happy? Well, let's see.

Before we start, just a reminder, the History of the Germans podcast is advertising free

thanks to the generous support from patrons.

And you can become a patron too and enjoy exclusive bonus episodes and other privileges

on the price of a latte per month.

All you have to do is sign up at patreon.com slash history of the Germans or on my website

history of the Germans.com.

You find all the links in the show notes. And thanks a lot to Sharon, Q and John who've already

signed up. Let's start and end this episode with Frederick the second's relationship with

the papacy. Something we'll probably have to do in most upcoming

episodes as well, so brace yourself. Frederick's trip to Germany had been sponsored, financially

...