Constance of Aragon refers to Constance of Sicily, also known as Constance of Aragon or Costanza d'Aragona in Italian. She was a medieval noblewoman who was born during the 12th century, possibly in the year 1154, to King Alfonso II of Aragon and Queen Sancha of Castile.
As a member of the Aragonese royal family, Constance played a significant role in European politics through her marriages. Firstly, she married Emperor Frederick I Barbarossa in 1186, becoming the Holy Roman Empress and the Queen of Sicily. However, Frederick I died in 1190, and Constance was left widowed.
In 1194, Constance married Henry VI, who was the son of Emperor Frederick I and the Holy Roman Emperor himself. Through this union, Constance became the Holy Roman Empress once again and the Queen of Sicily and Apulia. Her marriage with Henry VI produced their son Frederick II, who later became one of the most prominent rulers in the 13th century.
Constance's political influence expanded beyond her marriages, as she actively participated in government affairs in Sicily during the reign of her second husband. Moreover, she also acted as the regent of Sicily for her young son Frederick II after Henry VI's death in 1197.
In summary, Constance of Aragon was a noblewoman from the Aragonese royal family who played a crucial role in European politics through her marriages to Emperor Frederick I Barbarossa and Holy Roman Emperor Henry VI. She held the titles of Holy Roman Empress and Queenship over Sicily and Apulia, and she acted as a regent for her son Frederick II. Her life and political endeavors made a lasting impact
