Frederick Barbarossa, the German king and Holy Roman emperor (1152-90) died in this fashion.
Drowned while on the Third Crusade.
Perished while laying siege to Milan.
Assassinated by papal agents in Sicily.
Captured and executed during the Battle of Legnano.
Died of apoplexy.
Drowned while on the Third Crusade.
Frederick Barbarossa, the German king and Holy Roman emperor (1152-90) died by drowning while on the Third Crusade. Frederick struggled to extend German influence throughout Europe, maneuvering both politically and militarily. He clashed with the pope, the powerful Lombards and fellow Germans among others throughout the years. He joined the Third Crusade in the Spring of 1189 in their efforts to free Jerusalem from Saladin?s army but he drowned crossing the Saleph River the following year.