Hohenstaufen Dynasty that exercised great power in Germany and the Holy Roman Empire from 1138 to 1254. It is named after the castle of Staufen, built by Frederick, Count of Swabia, whose son became Conrad III of Germany and Holy Roman emperor in 1138. From Conrad III to Conrad IV, the family occupied the Imperial throne, except for the years 1209–15 (when the Guelph Otto IV was Emperor). The greatest of the dynasty was Frederick II.

Hohenstaufen a German dynastic family, some of whom ruled as Holy Roman emperors between 1138 and 1254, among them Frederick I (Barbarossa).