Frederick II Crowned King of the Romans

Timeline

1. 1212Messina–Rome–Genoa–Trent · ItalyAfter Innocent III forced Frederick at Messina to accept harsh conditions—separation of Sicily from the empire, a future crusade, etc.—he permitted him to march north to contest the German throne. Frederick landed at Gaeta, traveled via Rome and Genoa, and in July crossed the Alps with allies into the German heartland.
2. 1212Frankfurt · HesseA large assembly of German princes formally re-elected Frederick II as German king. The election was dominated by papal and anti-Otto forces; although Otto IV still controlled the northern Welf lands, the imperial legitimacy had shifted to the Hohenstaufen side.
3. 1212Mainz · Rhineland-PalatinateFour days later Frederick was crowned at Mainz by one of the German archbishops, receiving the title 'King of the Romans'. At the time his authority was largely confined to southern Germany, with the north still in Otto IV's sphere; the imperial dispute was not yet settled.