Frederick I 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 nickname, "Barbarossa," means "Red Beard" in Italian, which refers to his distinctive facial hair. Frederick sought to expand his influence in Italy and participated in several military campaigns against the Lombard League. Frederick I was also involved in the Crusades, joining the Third Crusade to reclaim Jerusalem from Muslim control. His reign was marked by conflicts with the papacy and local princes, but he is remembered as a significant figure in medieval European history. Frederick died during the Crusade, drowning in the Saleph River in 1190.