(Nov 23, 912 – May 7, 973, Memleben), East Frankish (not German) king and Holy Roman Emperor.
Otto, the most important of the Ottonians, reigned almost 37 years. Already nominated to the throne in 929/930 by his father, Henry I, he was made king at Aachen on Aug 7/8, 936, through ceremonial enthronement, homage, and anointing. Despite bitter conflicts over issues of succession and rank with his brothers Thankmar and Heinrich (937–941) and his sons Liudolf and Wilhelm (953–955), he was able to strengthen the Empire internally…