• Born: End of 955, Sachsen
• Married: 14 Apr 972, Rome, Italy
• Died: 7 Dec 983, Rome, Italy
• Buried: St. Peter's, Rome, Italy

  Research Notes:

Regino records the birth of "Otto filius regis" at the end of 955. "Ottone fratre [Machtild unica filia…patre Otto imperatore et matre Athelheida imperiatrice]" was recorded by Annalista Saxo.

He was elected associate King of Germany at Worms and crowned at Aachen 26 May 961. He was crowned associate Emperor 25 Dec 967 at Rome. He was elected OTTO II "Rufus" King of Germany at Worms early May 973, crowned at Aachen 26 May 973. His rule was challenged by the rebellions of his cousin Heinrich II "der Zänker" Duke of Bavaria in 974 and 976/78. On his accession, he claimed Byzantium's possessions in Italy as part of his wife's dowry. He left for Italy in Nov 980 to press his claims, conquered Tarento, but was defeated in 982 by a Byzantine/Muslim alliance near Stilo in Calabria. His chancery adopted the title "imperator Romanorum augustus" in 982.

After holding court at Verona, where his son was elected associate king, Otto II left for Rome where he died of malaria. The necrology of Fulda records the death "983 VII Id Dec" of "Otto imperator". ¹