This essay explores the key factors behind Conradin of Hohenstaufen’s decision to claim the throne of Sicily. It examines the legitimacy of his dynastic right, internal motivations such as duty and legacy, and external pressures from nobles and allies. Special attention is given to the role of the papacy.
Conradin was born into a continuously escalating conflict situation between the Holy Roman Empire and the papacy which began under Pope Gregory VII, who in the 11th century attempted to reform the papacy to have greater political power. The conflict pervaded successive dynasties and we find Conradin at the close of the Hohenstaufen dynasty in the mid 13th century. His life, ending with an expedition to Italy in order to secure his crown, cannot fail to capture the imagination. It is a relevant and interesting topic to explore, as it has not been as widely researched as other protagonists of this important dynasty. This despite it having a fundamental impact on the transition of the geopolitical map of the late Roman and the medieval Europe we know today, as his failure ended the extension of German imperial rule to southern Italy. This is a fascinating topic, as it can help us understand a wide variety of factors which played into the formation and stabilisation of a new power balance in medieval Europe, leading to the research question throughout the work being: How can we evaluate the different factors affecting Conradin’s decision to claim his right to the throne of the Kingdom of Sicily?
This question can be approached in a multitude of ways, however, the focus will mainly be on different factors resulting in Conradin claiming his right to the throne of the Kingdom of Sicily. These include the legitimacy of his claim to the throne, the internal motivations and external pressures which led him to attempt to claim the throne, and the provocations by the papacy. Thus, three key sections of the essay emerge: the analysis of the legitimacy of Conradin’s claim to the throne of Sicily, of the driving powers behind his campaign, and of the role of the papacy.
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- Karl-Wilhelm Prinz von Baden (Author), 2024, Conradin’s Claim to Sicily, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1599788
