Markward von Annweiler is a ministerialist—that is, he comes not from the free nobility, but from a class of unfree knights and administrators whose purpose is to serve loyally the Imperial administration in any capacity.
During the reign of the Emperor Frederick Barbarossa, Markward had become one of the most important figures in the administration.
Markward had served Barbarossa's son Henry VI in Italy from 1184.
Henry had appointed him Margrave of Ancona and Count of Abruzzo, placing him in a highly strategic position in north-central Italy.
After Henry’s death, Markward had at first supported his widow Constance of Sicily, but later found himself her enemy.
He had been excommunicated by Popes Celestine III and Innocent III, during their attempts to take over lands in central Italy.
Markward had stayed in Italy, and become a supporter of Philip of Swabia, the brother of Henry.
Markward's political and military activities cause great problems for the Popes, whose control of Sicily gradually weakens.
Two years after Constance's death, Philip gives Markward the lordship of Palermo, where the underage heir, the future Emperor Frederick II, is resident.
Despite the opposition of Innocent III, Markward becomes Guardian of Frederick II and Regent of Sicily.
Frederick's tutor during this period is Cencio Savelli, who will become Pope Honorius III.
