Manfred 1232-66
King of Sicily

He was a natural son of Emperor Frederick II, and was made Prince of Taranto. He was regent in Italy for his half-brother, Conrad IV, and defended the empire's interests against Pope Innocent IV for his nephew Conradin of Swabia. The pope, however, compelled Manfred to flee for shelter to the Saracens, who helped him defeat the papal troops. In 1257 he became Master of Naples and Sicily, and on the (false) rumour of Conradin's death (1258) he was crowned king at Palermo. In spite of excommunication by Pope Alexander IV, he occupied Tuscany after victory at Montaperti (1260). Pope Urban IV renewed the excommunication and bestowed Manfred's dominions on Charles of Anjou, brother of Louis IX of France. Manfred fell in battle at Benevento, and was succeeded by Charles.