# Otto IV, Holy Roman Emperor

> Holy Roman Emperor from 1209 to 1218

**Wikidata**: [Q151457](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q151457)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Otto_IV,_Holy_Roman_Emperor)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/otto-iv-holy-roman-emperor

## Summary
Otto IV, Holy Roman Emperor, was a ruler of the Holy Roman Empire from 1209 to 1218. He was a member of the Welf dynasty and played a significant role in medieval European politics, though his reign was marked by conflicts and challenges.

## Biography
- Born: c. 1175
- Nationality: Germany
- Education: Unknown
- Known for: Reign as Holy Roman Emperor (1209–1218)
- Employer(s): Holy Roman Empire
- Field(s): Political leadership

## Contributions
Otto IV ruled the Holy Roman Empire from 1209 to 1218, a period marked by political instability and conflicts. His reign was characterized by struggles with the papacy, including his excommunication by Pope Innocent III in 1210. Despite these challenges, he maintained a degree of authority over German territories, though his rule was often contested by rival factions.

## FAQs
### What was Otto IV, Holy Roman Emperor's primary role?
Otto IV served as Holy Roman Emperor from 1209 to 1218, overseeing the political and territorial affairs of the Holy Roman Empire during a turbulent period.

### Where was Otto IV, Holy Roman Emperor from?
Otto IV was a German ruler, born around 1175, and belonged to the Welf dynasty, a prominent noble family in medieval Germany.

### What challenges did Otto IV face during his reign?
Otto IV faced significant challenges, including excommunication by Pope Innocent III in 1210 and political instability within the Holy Roman Empire.

## Why They Matter
Otto IV, Holy Roman Emperor, was a key figure in medieval European politics, though his reign was marked by conflicts and instability. His rule shaped the political landscape of the Holy Roman Empire, influencing the balance of power between imperial and papal authorities. His legacy remains a subject of historical study, particularly in the context of the struggles between the Holy Roman Empire and the papacy.

## Notable For
- Reign as Holy Roman Emperor (1209–1218)
- Member of the Welf dynasty
- Excommunication by Pope Innocent III in 1210
- Political leadership during a period of instability in the Holy Roman Empire

## Body
### Early Life
Otto IV was born around 1175, part of the Welf dynasty, a prominent noble family in medieval Germany. Little is known about his early life or education, but he inherited the title of Duke of Brunswick and later became Holy Roman Emperor.

### Reign as Holy Roman Emperor
Otto IV was elected Holy Roman Emperor in 1209, succeeding Philip of Swabia. His reign was marked by political instability and conflicts with the papacy. In 1210, Pope Innocent III excommunicated him, leading to a period of turmoil. Despite these challenges, Otto IV maintained a degree of authority over German territories, though his rule was often contested by rival factions.

### Political Struggles
Otto IV faced significant political struggles during his reign, including conflicts with the papacy and rival noble families. His excommunication in 1210 highlighted the tensions between the Holy Roman Empire and the Catholic Church. Despite these challenges, he continued to assert imperial authority, though his rule was often overshadowed by the broader conflicts of the time.

### Legacy
Otto IV's reign left a lasting impact on the political landscape of the Holy Roman Empire. His struggles with the papacy and the instability of his rule shaped the broader dynamics of medieval European politics. His legacy remains a subject of historical study, particularly in the context of the relationships between imperial and papal authorities.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. Source
3. Virtual International Authority File
4. The Peerage
5. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
6. Alvin
7. MAK
8. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
9. [Source](http://www.regesta-imperii.de/id/1309-03-01_4_0_6_4_1_106_64)
10. [Source](http://www.regesta-imperii.de/id/1309-08-21_1_0_6_4_1_300_258)
11. [Source](http://www.regesta-imperii.de/id/bab94934-0ff4-41f5-95fe-13ae8e9fda60)
12. [Source](http://www.regesta-imperii.de/id/e79fd09e-f2d6-41fe-aa72-eef7c09c2c57)
13. [Source](http://www.regesta-imperii.de/id/1330-05-05_1_0_7_1_0_90_90)
14. [Source](http://www.regesta-imperii.de/id/1330-05-05_1_0_7_2_0_85_85)
15. [Source](http://www.regesta-imperii.de/id/1334-08-21_1_0_7_4_0_108_108)
16. [Source](http://www.regesta-imperii.de/id/1330-05-05_1_0_7_8_0_172_172)
17. Autoritats UB
18. Sejm-Wielki.pl
19. HMML Authority File