MAP 11.1 Europe in the Age of Henry II and Frederick Barbarossa, 1150–1190
The second half of the twelfth century was dominated by two men, King Henry II and Emperor Frederick Barbarossa. Of the two, Frederick seemed to control more land, but this was deceptive. Although he was emperor, he had great difficulty ruling the territory that was theoretically part of the Empire. Frederick’s base was in central Germany, and even there he had to contend with powerful vassals. Henry II’s territory was more compact but also more surely under his control.