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How did an epidemic affect Frederick II’s planned departure from Brindisi?
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Frederick II
Frederick II, bust, c. 13th century; in the collection of the Museo Provinciale Campano, Capua, Italy.
In September 1227, when Frederick II was prepared to depart from Brindisi for the Holy Land, an epidemic broke out among the Crusaders, forcing a delay in his plans.1
Because of this failure to carry out the Crusade as scheduled, Pope Gregory IX rejected the emperor's justification for the delay and excommunicated him. Frederick eventually set sail for the Holy Land in June 1228, despite the excommunication.1