Frederick Barbarossa was a Holy Roman Emperor who reigned from 1155 to 1190. He is known for his efforts to consolidate the empire and strengthen its authority over the German states. His reign was marked by conflicts with the Pope and various Italian city-states, as he sought to expand his influence in Italy. Barbarossa was also a key figure in the Crusades, participating in the Third Crusade aimed at reclaiming Jerusalem. His leadership and military campaigns were significant in shaping the political landscape of medieval Europe. He died during the crusade, drowning in the Saleph River in Turkey.