Otto II (955-983), a German king, was the second emperor of what became known as the Holy Roman Empire. He succeeded his father, Otto I, also called Otto the Great, in 973. Otto II’s claim to the throne was challenged by his powerful cousin Henry the Wrangler, Duke of Bavaria. But by 978, Otto had defeated Henry and had named an ally to replace Henry as duke.
Otto II defended his borders against Slavs to the east, Danes to the north, and the French to the west. Beginning in 980, Otto II tried to extend his power into southern Italy. Muslims also were seeking control of the region at that time, and they defeated Otto near Crotone in 982. Danes and Slavs in the northern part of the empire then revolted and regained lands that they had lost to Otto I.
Otto II was born in Saxony. Along with his mother, Adelaide, and his wife, the Byzantine princess Theophano, he promoted the arts and church reform. After Otto II’s death on Dec. 7, 983, Adelaide and Theophano ruled on behalf of his infant son, Otto III.
