The Crusaders & Saracens collection by King and Country is certainly one of their most popular collections. Anything related to crusaders will find its place there. Ranging from 1095-1291, such timelapse gives a lot of potential for new pieces. The latest addition in this collection is the MK219 - The Emperor Barbarossa, straight out from the Third Crusade.

Frederick I, also called Barbarossa (italian for "red beard"), was the Holy Roman Emperor from 1155 to 1190. In addition, he was also King of Germany, King of Italy and King of Burgundy. He was one of the most powerful rulers of his time. He participated in the third crusade after answering the call for help from King Philip II of France. His expedition was funded by taxing the jews of Germany, but the emperor ensured to put them under his protection. This was a great improvement as the two previous crusades led to mass murdering of jews in Germany.

According to some sources, the army raised by Barbarossa for the Third Crusade was 100 000 men strong. However, those numbers were probably exaggerated and modern historians think it was more about 15 000 men at the best. Whatever the true numbers were, one thing is certain; his army was well trained and disciplined, not falling in the usual plunder and looting pattern of other crusades.

The emperor Frederick I leading his army during the Third Crusade.

Things took a bitter turn when Frederick I died drowning while crossing the Saleph river (now called Göksu river) on June 10th 1190. His army suddenly found itself under the divided control of the two rival kings leading the crusade: Philip of France and Richard The Lionheart of England. In face of such a situation, most of his army wisely decided to go back home and only 5000 men joined forces with the rest of the crusaders.

The figure that King and Country produced is showing Barbarossa on his lightly armored horse, looking at the horizon and lost in some deep thoughts. On his chest, we can see the Reichsadler or imperial eagle. Variations of this symbol were apparently already in use by Charlemagne in the 800’s. It was probably based on the Aquila used by the Roman army. Overall, his gear is very minimalist, giving all the attention to the Emperor himself. Only a sword on his side. Of course, he is wearing his crown and it is combined with his helmet.

The artistic choices behind this figure might seem surprising at first as we are used to more details on the figures or more motion in this collection. This is because this toy soldier is based on the equestrian statue of Frederick Barbarossa that was done for the Kaiserhaus at Goslar by Robert Toberentz. So the goal of this work of art was to put on the spotlight the Emperor Barbarossa himself, with his thoughtful and determined personality. All the elements there serve either to show one of those things. Nothing more was added as it would have been pointless.

The monument by Robert Toberentz on display at Goslar, Lower Saxony in Germany.
(Credit yeowatzup)

To conclude, it was time that the Emperor Barbarossa joined the rest of the collection. This historical figure can’t be ignored when it comes to the crusades. His ending might not be the most glorious one, but his life certainly was. The depiction of this figure based on the work of Toberentz is therefore a good choice as it puts forward the essence of the greatest of the Holy Roman Emperors; a wise leader, able to lead his kingdom in peacetime as much as in wartime. I now leave you with a video from Civilization VI. In this game, only the greatest of all historical personalities are chosen to represent the different civilisations.