Frederick III of Sicily facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Frederick II |
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| King of Sicily | |
| Reign | 11 December 1295 – 25 June 1337 |
| Coronation | 25 March 1296 (Palermo) |
| Predecessor | James I |
| Successor | Peter II |
| Born | 13 December 1272 Barcelona, Crown of Aragon |
| Died | 25 June 1337 (aged 64) Paternò, Kingdom of Sicily |
| Burial | Catania Cathedral |
| Spouse | Eleanor of Anjou |
| Issue among others... |
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| House | House of Barcelona |
| Father | Peter III of Aragon |
| Mother | Constance of Sicily |
Frederick II (or III) was a powerful ruler of Sicily. He was born on December 13, 1272, and died on June 25, 1337. He first served as a regent (a temporary ruler) for the Kingdom of Sicily from 1291 to 1295. After that, he became the King of Sicily and ruled until his death.
Frederick was the third son of Peter III of Aragon. He played an important role in the War of the Sicilian Vespers. This was a big conflict where Sicilians fought against French rule. Frederick was confirmed as king by a peace agreement called the Peace of Caltabellotta in 1302. During his time as king, he made important changes to the laws and government of Sicily.
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Why Frederick Was Called Frederick III
Even though Frederick was the second ruler of Sicily named Frederick, he chose to call himself "Frederick III." This might seem a bit confusing! He likely did this because his great-grandfather, Frederick II, Holy Roman Emperor, was a very famous ruler of Sicily about 50 years earlier. His great-grandfather was known as "Frederick the Second." So, Frederick wanted to follow this pattern and be known as "Frederick the Third."
Some people also say he chose the number three because he was the third son of his father, King Peter III. Later on, another ruler named Frederick came to the Sicilian throne. Historians called him Frederick III the Simple, even though he didn't use a number himself.
Frederick's Life and Reign
Early Life and Becoming King
Frederick was born in Barcelona, a city in what is now Spain. When his father, King Peter III, died in 1285, his older brother Alfonso became King of Aragon. His second brother, James, became King of Sicily.
When Alfonso died in 1291, James became King of Aragon. He then made Frederick the regent of Sicily. At this time, there was a long war happening. The Angevins, a French royal family, wanted to control Sicily. They ruled from Naples, a city in Italy. The Crown of Aragon (Frederick's family) also wanted Sicily.
James, Frederick's brother, faced problems in Spain. So, he made a deal with Charles II of Naples, the Angevin ruler. This deal was called the Treaty of Anagni (1295). In exchange for peace in other areas, James agreed to give Sicily back to the Church. The Church would then give Sicily to the Angevins.
However, the people of Sicily did not want to be ruled by the French again. They had fought hard to kick them out in 1282 during the Sicilian Vespers uprising. Frederick decided to stand with the Sicilians. He refused to give up the island. In 1296, the nobles of Sicily crowned him king in Palermo.
Frederick's Rule and Conflicts
As king, Frederick made important changes to how Sicily was run. He gave more power to the Sicilian parliament. This parliament included nobles, church leaders, and representatives from the towns.
His decision not to follow the Pope's orders led to more war. Frederick attacked areas in Italy controlled by the Angevins. He also encouraged people in Naples to revolt. His brother James, who had made a deal with the Pope, even fought against Frederick. Some important Sicilian leaders, like Roger of Lauria, switched sides and joined the Angevins. The Sicilian fleet was defeated in a sea battle.
However, Frederick fought back. His forces captured Catania and took Philip, one of Charles II's sons, prisoner in 1299. The fighting continued for two more years.
The Treaty of Caltabellotta
In August 1302, a peace treaty was signed. It was called the Treaty of Caltabellotta. This treaty recognized Frederick as the king of Sicily for his lifetime. However, the island was to be called "Trinacria" instead of Sicily. Frederick also married Eleanor of Anjou, who was the daughter of Charles II of Naples. The treaty said that after Frederick's death, the kingdom would go back to the Angevins. This part of the treaty was mostly to help Charles II save face.
For a few years, Sicily enjoyed peace. Frederick continued to improve the kingdom's organization. However, peace did not last forever. Frederick later allied with the Holy Roman Emperor Henry VII, Holy Roman Emperor and went to war with the Angevins again in 1313. He captured Reggio.
The new King of Naples, Robert, attacked Sicily several times. A truce was made in 1317. But because Frederick had helped some groups in northern Italy and used church money for his army, Pope John XXII took a serious step. He excommunicated Frederick and placed Sicily under an interdict in 1321. This meant that many church services were forbidden in Sicily. This lasted until 1335.
In 1337, Frederick died in Paternò. Even though the Treaty of Caltabellotta said Sicily should go back to the Angevins, Frederick's son, Peter II of Sicily, became the next king.
Family
Frederick and Eleanor of Anjou had several children:
- Peter (1304–1342), who became king after him.
- Roger (1305–died young).
- Manfred (1306–1317), who became the Duke of Athens.
- Constance (1307–1344), who married three times, including to the King of Cyprus.
- Elisabeth (1310–1349), who married Stephen II of Bavaria.
- William (1312–1338), who was also a Duke of Athens.
- John (1317–1348), who became Duke of Randazzo and later Regent of Sicily.
- Catherine (1320–1342), who became an Abbess.
- Margaret (1331–1377), who married Rudolf II of the Palatinate.
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Frederick III of Sicily
Born: 13 December 1272 Died: 25 June 1337 |
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| Regnal titles | ||
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| Preceded by James |
King of Sicily 1296–1337 |
Succeeded by Peter II |
See also
In Spanish: Federico II de Sicilia para niños
