Frederick V, Duke of Swabia facts for kids

Frederick V of Hohenstaufen (born July 16, 1164, in Pavia – died around 1170) was a young duke who ruled Swabia from 1167 until his death. He was the oldest son of the powerful Emperor Frederick I Barbarossa and Beatrice I, Countess of Burgundy.

Life of Frederick V

Early Life and Betrothal

In April 1165, when Frederick was just a baby, he was promised in marriage to Eleanor. She was the daughter of King Henry II of England and Eleanor of Aquitaine. However, this marriage never happened because Frederick died at a very young age.

Becoming Duke of Swabia

In August 1167, Frederick's uncle, Duke Frederick IV of Swabia, passed away during a military trip in Italy. He had no children, so his lands and title went back to Emperor Frederick I Barbarossa. The Emperor then chose his own three-year-old son, Frederick, to become the new Duke of Swabia. This made him Frederick V.

Bypassed for the Throne

In June 1169, a special meeting called a Hoftag was held in Bamberg. At this meeting, Frederick V's younger brother, Henry, was chosen to be the next King of the Romans. This title meant he would likely become the next Holy Roman Emperor. Henry was crowned on August 15 in Aachen Cathedral.

Historians believe that Frederick V was not chosen to be king because he was born with a weak body. People didn't expect him to live past childhood.

His Death

Two old writings confirm that Frederick V was still alive when his brother was chosen as King of the Romans. Since his fiancée, Eleanor, married King Alfonso VIII of Castile in 1170, it is thought that Frederick V died in late 1169 or early 1170.

Frederick V was buried in Lorch Abbey. This abbey was a special burial place for the Staufen family, given to them by his great-grandfather, Frederick I, Duke of Swabia. In 1475, the remains of all the Staufen family members buried there were moved to a new tombstone. This tombstone can still be seen in the main part of Lorch Abbey today.

A Name Carried On

After Frederick V died, his name was given to his younger brother, who was originally named Conrad. This brother then became Frederick VI, Duke of Swabia. This was done to make sure the important Staufen family name "Frederick" continued. Since the next son, Otto, was likely born in mid-1170, Frederick V must have died before then. Otherwise, there would have been no reason to rename Conrad; the Emperor could have just named the next son Frederick.

See also

• Dukes of Swabia family tree