Sixth Crusade
An Emperor's Vow
The Fifth Crusade had failed to recover Jerusalem or to conquer Egypt. Since this was the first crusade since the crusade of the kings in 1189 that actually tried to rescue the Holy Land, its defeat was a bitter blow. It was even harder to endure because it had begun so well, but worst of all was the conviction shared by many that it would have succeeded if only the German Emperor had made good on his promise to participate in this crusade.
The Emperor in question was Frederick II, a ruler who had far more lands at his command than any other monarch, even though he could not always rely on them. Frederick had taken the crusading vow in 1215 when he was still a youth, evidently carried away by the moment during his coronation ceremonies at Aachen. No crusade was immediately in the offing, and in any case he had to bring Germany to order, so there was no question of him setting out immediately.
But when the Fifth Crusade set out, the pope reminded him of his pilgrim's vow and the timing did seem propitious. Unfortunately, even as he was raising an army, rebellion broke out in Italy. Frederick delayed, hoping to settle matters at home and still be able to fight in the Crusade. But the delay stretched out. The Crusaders sent him urgent messages, begging for assistance. Finally, all he could do was send a fleet with a small force. It was not enough.