History and legend come together in the image of Frederick Barbarossa. On the one hand, he embodied the “courtly” virtues, on the other, he managed to strengthen monarchical power, considering the authority of the throne and the love of glory to be the highest values. His ambitions were akin to the spirit of the era, and the myth of Frederick I forever linked his name with the idea of German greatness. The subsequent failures of many sovereigns of the Holy German-Roman Empire gave rise to German dreams of a world ruler who would return the country to a golden age. Since then, the name of Friedrich Barbarossa began to be associated with German nationalism. The book is offered to a wide range of readers.