Otto II, Holy Roman Emperor
Holy Roman Emperor, Military Commander
0955 – 0983
Who was Otto II, Holy Roman Emperor?
Otto II, called the Red, was Holy Roman Emperor from 973 until his death in 983. A member of the Ottonian dynasty, Otto II was the youngest and sole surviving son of Otto the Great and Adelaide of Italy.
Otto II was made joint-ruler of Germany in 961, at an early age, and his father named him co-Emperor in 967 to secure his succession to the throne. His father also arranged for Otto II to marry the Byzantine Princess Theophanu, who would be his wife until his death. When his father died after a 37-year reign, the eighteen-year old Otto II became absolute ruler of the Holy Roman Empire in a peaceful succession. Otto II spent his reign continuing his father's policy of strengthening Imperial rule in Germany and extending the borders of the Empire deeper into southern Italy. Otto II also continued the work of Otto I in subordinating the Catholic Church to Imperial control.
Early in his reign, Otto II defeated a major revolt against his rule from other members of the Ottonian dynasty who claimed the throne for themselves. His victory allowed him to exclude the Bavarian line of Ottonians from the line of Imperial succession. This strengthened his authority as Emperor and secured the succession of his own son to the Imperial throne.
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- Born
- 0955
Saxony - Also known as
- Otto the Red
- Parents
- Siblings
- Spouses
- Theophanu
(0972/04/14 - )
- Theophanu
- Children
- Religion
- Roman Catholic Church
- Profession
- Died
- Dec 7, 0983
Holy Roman Empire - Resting place
- St. Peter's Basilica
Submitted
on July 23, 2013
Citation
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