How did Frederick II gain greater control of Sicily after marrying Constance of Aragon?
After marrying Constance of Aragon in 1209, Frederick II gained greater control of Sicily by utilizing an urgently needed troop of knights she brought with her. With this military support, he was able to defeat a conspiracy of the barons and achieve partial success in reclaiming crown properties that had been lost during his minority.1
While this marriage provided the immediate means to stabilize his position, Frederick later solidified his authority in Sicily through more comprehensive administrative and military reforms following his imperial coronation in 1220. These efforts included breaking the resistance of the nobility, defeating rebellious Saracens, and establishing a centralized government supported by a new civil service and the University of Naples.23