Conrad I of Germany vs Otto IV

Following the death of Louis the Child, the East Frankish nobility elected Conrad, Duke of Franconia, as king. This was the first non-Carolingian election, establishing the principle of elective monarchy in East Francia.

Conrad I fought a prolonged war against Henry, Duke of Saxony (later Henry the Fowler). The conflict weakened royal authority and ended with Conrad recognizing Henry's autonomy in Saxony.

On his deathbed, Conrad I advised his brother Eberhard to offer the crown to Henry of Saxony, his former rival. This act ensured a peaceful succession and strengthened the monarchy under the Ottonian dynasty.

Otto IV was elected King of Germany in June 1198 by Welf supporters, opposing Philip of Swabia. His election sparked a civil war with the Hohenstaufen faction that lasted a decade.

Pope Innocent III crowned Otto IV Holy Roman Emperor in Rome on October 4, 1209, after Otto promised to respect papal territories. The coronation ended the civil war and made Otto the sole ruler.

Pope Innocent III excommunicated Otto IV in 1210 after Otto invaded the Kingdom of Sicily, violating his promises. The exclamation led to the election of Frederick II as rival king and Otto's decline.

Otto IV was decisively defeated by King Philip II of France at the Battle of Bouvines on July 27, 1214. This defeat ended Otto's imperial ambitions and led to his loss of the German throne to Frederick II.