Graham Loud

Graham Loud, Emeritus Professor of Medieval History at the University of Leeds and author of a forthcoming book on Frederick Barbarossa, discusses the life of this iconic ruler. He delves into Barbarossa's tumultuous reign, detailing his fierce Italian campaigns and complex clashes with the papacy. The conversation also highlights how this formidable emperor's legacy has been mythologized, comparing him to legendary figures like King Arthur, while examining the impact of his rule on medieval European politics.

In this engaging discussion, Professor Graham Loud, an expert in medieval history and author of a biography on Frederick Barbarossa, sheds light on the legendary Holy Roman Emperor. He explores Barbarossa's tumultuous reign, including his struggles against the Lombard League and his vital roles in the Crusades. Hear fascinating insights about his strategic blunders, the diplomatic intrigues with the Byzantine Empire, and the mythic legacy he left behind, which shaped the narratives of 19th-century nationalism and beyond.