Emperor Frederick I of Hohenstaufen was nicknamed Redbeard (Barbarossa). Children were scared with his name, enemies lost confidence when they saw the invincible imperial banners. But at the same time, the red-bearded ruler was a man infinitely devoted to his family, friends, and business. Having become the ruler of a huge empire, he took the lands entrusted to him under reliable protection, gave the people fair laws. There was only one thing Frederick did not tolerate: interference in his affairs by the Pope and the supremacy of the church over secular power. Is it possible to lead a Catholic state to happiness and prosperity in conditions of irreversible conflict?