Otto the Great

Otto I was the son of Henry the Fowler, the first king of Germany. He inherited the throne in 936 and continued his father's work of unifying the German tribes into a single kingdom. He also strengthened the royal authority by appointing loyal bishops and abbots to key positions and suppressing rebellious dukes. He defeated the Magyars, who had been raiding Western Europe for decades, at the Battle of Lechfeld in 955. This victory earned him the reputation as a savior of Christendom and secured his hold over Germany. In 951, Otto intervened in Italy to support Adelaide, the widowed queen of Italy, who had been imprisoned by a rival king. He married her and claimed the title of King of Italy. He also sought to revive the imperial title that had been held by Charlemagne in 800. In 962, he was crowned as Emperor of the Romans by Pope John XII in Rome. He thus established the Holy Roman Empire, which lasted until 1806. ² Otto's imperial policy aimed to foster a close alliance between the church and the state. He appointed his relatives and allies to important ecclesiastical offices and granted them lands and privileges. He also supported the missionary work of converting the Slavs and Scandinavians to Christianity. He intervened in the affairs of the papacy and deposed two popes who opposed him. He maintained good relations with the Byzantine Empire, which recognized his imperial title and agreed to marry his son Otto II to Princess Theophanu in 972. ² Otto died in 973 at his palace in Memleben. He was buried in Magdeburg Cathedral, which he had founded. He was succeeded by his son Otto II, who continued his father's imperial policy. Otto I is regarded as one of the most influential rulers of medieval Europe. He is also known as Otto the Great for his achievements and legacy. ²