Holy Roman Emperor. Youngest and sole surviving son of Otto I, he was made joint ruler of Germany in 961 and his father named him co-emperor in 967 to secure his succession to the throne. After the death of his father, he became sole ruler in 973. A cousin, Henry the Wrangler, duke of Bavaria, attempted a coup that Otto squashed successfully, and that led to the exclusion of the Bavarian line from the line of succession. Henry's failed mutiny also cost him Austria, Carinthia and Nordgau as part of Bavaria. Otto repulsed a Danish attack and an invasion of France led to a draw. His ambition to bring all of Italy into the Empire began successfully in 980 when he was able to unify the southern Lombard principalities. The Fatimid Caliphate rebuffed his campaign leading to with a major defeat by the Muslims at the Battle of Stilo in 982. Before Otto could format a counterattack, a Slavic uprising forced him to concentrate his forces elsewhere, eventually relinquishing claim to southern Italy. He established at least four monasteries, appointed monks as political advisors, and supported the expansion of Christianity. He was also known as "Red," after his half uncle, Conrad the Red. While in Rome to elect a new pope, Otto II died suddenly possibly of malaria after a ten-year reign. He was succeeded by his three-year-old son.
Holy Roman Emperor. Youngest and sole surviving son of Otto I, he was made joint ruler of Germany in 961 and his father named him co-emperor in 967 to secure his succession to the throne. After the death of his father, he became sole ruler in 973. A cousin, Henry the Wrangler, duke of Bavaria, attempted a coup that Otto squashed successfully, and that led to the exclusion of the Bavarian line from the line of succession. Henry's failed mutiny also cost him Austria, Carinthia and Nordgau as part of Bavaria. Otto repulsed a Danish attack and an invasion of France led to a draw. His ambition to bring all of Italy into the Empire began successfully in 980 when he was able to unify the southern Lombard principalities. The Fatimid Caliphate rebuffed his campaign leading to with a major defeat by the Muslims at the Battle of Stilo in 982. Before Otto could format a counterattack, a Slavic uprising forced him to concentrate his forces elsewhere, eventually relinquishing claim to southern Italy. He established at least four monasteries, appointed monks as political advisors, and supported the expansion of Christianity. He was also known as "Red," after his half uncle, Conrad the Red. While in Rome to elect a new pope, Otto II died suddenly possibly of malaria after a ten-year reign. He was succeeded by his three-year-old son.
Bio by: Winter Birds PA
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