Charles was now able to indulge in the scheme, which he had long since conceived, of subjugating the entire peninsula to his sceptre, and even of conquering the Greek empire. But seated on the throne of Frederick II he remained only a hated despot. The conqueror was endowed with no sagacity as a ruler, no largeness of view as a law-giver; to the lands which he ruled he left nothing but the curse of a long feudal despotism. The plans of his ambition were shattered, as were those of the Hohenstaufens, by the policy of the popes, by Italian party spirit, and by the feeling of Latin nationality which finally rose against the dominion of the Gallic stranger.

Charles I. rules Rome through prosenators

He ruled the city of Rome for ten years as Senator, through his vicars, nobles of his court, whom, in conformity with the statutes of the city, he sent to the Capitol, accompanied by judges and other officials for an indefinite length of time. The strong hand of the autocrat was beneficial; respect for the law was thereby restored; in the space of a year two hundred thieves were seen hanging from the gallows. The coins of Rome were henceforward engraved with Charles's name. They and a statue are the sole memorials of his term of office, which was the longest ever held by any Senator. The marble figure of a mediæval king, wearing the crown, the sceptre in his hand, clad in Roman vestments and seated on a chair adorned with the heads of lions may still be seen in the Palace of the Senators on the Capitol.