A long-established tradition enshrines the relationship between Emperor Frederick II (1194-1250) and the city of Erice. The celebration of the 750th anniversary of the imperial privilege granted to this city in 1241 provides the opportunity to organise a cycle of three international seminars on the age of Frederick II, under the auspices of the Ettore Majorana Centre for Scientific Culture. In addition to the 1989 seminar on the theory and practice of government, a second seminar planned for 1990 will deal with the question of science and knowledge (content and dissemination). The 1991 seminar, more directly focused on the 750th anniversary of the imperial privilege in Erice, will study the relationship between Frederick II and the cities of Italy.