He had but just arrived in Palestine, when he was taken sick at Askalon, and died in the year 1240.
Rhodolph, his eldest son, was twenty-two years of age at the time of his father's death.

Frederic II., one of the most renowned monarchs of the middle ages, was then Emperor of that conglomeration of heterogeneous States called Germany.

Each of these States had its own independent ruler and laws, but they were all held together by a common bond for mutual protection, and some one illustrious sovereign was chosen as Emperor of Germany, to preside over their common affairs.

The Emperor of Germany, having influence over all these States, was consequently, in position, the great man of the age.
Albert, Count of Hapsburg, had been one of the favorite captains of Frederic II.

in the numerous wars which desolated Europe in that dark age.