Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II died today in 1250. He was called an Antichrist by Pope Gregory IX, and excommunicated in 1227 for lagging in his promise to join into the Sixth Crusade. For Frederick's part, however, he considered himself the Last world Emperor (see July 9) - the fulfillment of a popular medieval concept of a human leader whose righteousness would pave the way for Jesus' return.
A myth that the deaceased Frederick would return from death to lead a campaign against Church corruption, was so popular, that his Holy Roman Imperial successor burned two pseudo-Fredericks at the stake to stamp out their movements.
