Assignment 1. WOW

Craig A. M., Graham W.A, Kagan D., Ozment S., & Turner F.M (2009). Heritage of World

Civilizations: Europe to the Early 1500s: Revival, Decline, and Renaissance, Eighth Edition. New York: Pearson Inc. 

I didn’t know that Otto-I was the first individual of the Germans to be called the emperor of Italy and was also known as the “Great.” It was interesting that Otto I against the backdrop of the failures that had rocked the empire managed to conquer Italy and proclaim himself as the king. Moreover, he conquered all the Hungarians at Lechfeld, safeguarding the borders of Germany against any intrusions.

It was interesting how the King outmaneuvered his kin to take over Bavaria, Swabia, and Franconia from his father Saxon Henry I. he continued his father’s legacy and even expanded the legacy even further. It is easy to argue that Otto found a better and great Kingdom following his father’s achievements but how he extended the works of his father was exemplary. It was also interesting to see that Otto like his father came to make history by being the first German to be the emperor of Italy just like his dad had been the first non-Frankish king of Germany (David, 2009). It is like a continuation of a family legacy of success since just like his father had revived the fortunes of the old empire and the papacy, he also delivered Germany from its enemies and expanded the empire even further (Joseph, 1938). The question I asked were:

1.      How was Otto I able to retain the control of the empire as it expanded?

Otto, I expanded the powers of the king at the expense of aristocracy. He did this through strategic marriages and personal appointments installing loyal members of his family in the kingdom’s most important duchies thus maintaining a strong influence on the Empire (David, 2009). 

2.      How was Otto I able to gain the imperial crown?

Otto maintained good relations with Pope John XII and even rescued him from his Italian enemies, which made the pope indebted and eventually crowned Otto as the Empire (Joseph, 1938).

3.      What was Otto’s biggest contribution during his reign?

Otto, I am remembered and also respected as the “Great” emperor for the fact that he revived and strengthened the empire beyond what many anticipated at the time. He is further respected and honored following the defeat of the Hungarians at Lechfeld in 955 safeguarding the German territories.