ABSTRACT
Ever since the acquisition of the Italian crown by Otto I, Italy had engaged a considerable share of the attention of the German kings. Affairs in Germany having been settled to his satisfaction, Frederick could turn his attention again to his Italian kingdom. During these years a complete transformation had taken place in Italian politics. The treaty of Constance was the beginning of Frederick’s new policy in Italy. To the terms he had made he intended faithfully to adhere, but he had done more than merely to sever the Lombard connexion with the Papacy. Pope Lucius III did not visualise these consequences; in his anxiety to ensure the peace of Italy and placate the Emperor he seems to have welcomed the betrothal. Urban’s hostility was not confined to thwarting the aims of the Emperor. He openly fomented revolts against him both in Italy and Germany. The chief difficulty in Germany lay in the disturbed condition of the north.
