Otto IV

MedievalEmperorHoly Roman Empire1175 — 1218

Welf emperor defeated by Philip Augustus at Bouvines.

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Quick Facts

Born

1175

Died

1218

Country

Holy Roman Empire

Era

Medieval

Occupation

Emperor

Score Overview

Military (10%)50

Political (20%)28

Influence (20%)46

Legacy (20%)38

Leadership (15%)35

Strategy (15%)30

Total Score38.6

Otto IV — Complete Timeline

1198 AD

Election as King of GermanyPolitical Action◆ Major

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.

SuccessionCivil War

Impact: regional

1209 AD

Coronation as Holy Roman EmperorPolitical Action◆ Major

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.

CoronationPapal Alliance

Impact: regionalconstructive

1210 AD

Excommunication by Pope Innocent IIIPolitical Action◆ Major

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.

ExcommunicationPapal Conflict

Impact: regionaldestructive

1214 AD

Battle of BouvinesWar

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.

BattleDefeatFrench Victory

Impact: regionaltragic