WI Otto III doesn't die in 1002

WI Otto doesn't die of malaria. What would happen to his dream of reviving the Roman Empire? What happens to relations with the Byzantines after he marries princess Zoe?
 
WI Otto doesn't die of malaria. What would happen to his dream of reviving the Roman Empire?

This looks like a really interesting PoD, my Deer.
(SCNR)
If Otto would have lived longer, he would certainly have continued to concentrate
on Italy rather than Germany. But it is hard to tell the long-term consquences.

I think it unlikely that a dynasty could have managed to evenly dominate
both parts of the empire. Italy-focussed emperors would probably have caused
waning influence on Northern realms, even to the point when imperial claim
is only nominal. This is what happenened in Italy in the long run.
But of course this would make a difference as the Italian ruler would retain
the by far more prestiguous and respected title.
 
One major factor is that he has a father-in-law without an heir... and more to the point an Uncle-by-marriage without a competent one. Might Basil II have a 1/8 Saxon grandnephew brought to Constantinople for proper education and eventual crowning once it becomes clear his brother is hopeless?

HTG
 
From what I've read, Otto's plan was to create a theocratic empire in close relations with the papacy. Were he to live longer, this state probably would have come into existence. Ottonian focus then would have shifted definitively south, to Italy and the Mediterranean, leaving Germany to languish. What could possibly result is something like what Frederick II "accomplished" 200 years later: decentralization of Germany and strengthening of the dukes. While a united Roman Empire of Italy could result, Germany would decline as imperial involvement was heavily reduced.
 
I was reading that a Byzantine Princess was on her way to marry him when he died suddenly in 1002... Most scholars agree that this princess was Zoe daughter of (the then) co-Emperor Constantine VIII... If he survived and had married her could Otto III had become Byzantine Emperor "jure uxoris" after the death of Constantine VIII in 1028?
 

Nikephoros

Banned
I was reading that a Byzantine Princess was on her way to marry him when he died suddenly in 1002... Most scholars agree that this princess was Zoe daughter of (the then) co-Emperor Constantine VIII... If he survived and had married her could Otto III had become Byzantine Emperor "jure uxoris" after the death of Constantine VIII in 1028?

Just a question? What does "jure uxoris" mean. I assume that it means that he would become Emperor by law. But I doubt that he could actually assume power. I don't think that the military or the civil service would accept a "barbarian" on the throne.
 
Just a question? What does "jure uxoris" mean. I assume that it means that he would become Emperor by law. But I doubt that he could actually assume power. I don't think that the military or the civil service would accept a "barbarian" on the throne.

It means "by right of his woman". But I'm not sure if the Roman laws allowed the succession through a female line. BTW, weren't the Emperors officially elected anyway?
 
It means "by right of his woman". But I'm not sure if the Roman laws allowed the succession through a female line. BTW, weren't the Emperors officially elected anyway?

After the deaths of Basil II and Constantine VIII the Princesses Zoe and Theodora were the only scion left from the Macedonian dynasty... Theodora had retired to a convent (as per OTL... scholars agree that she was disfigured somehow maybe from smallpox) and Zoe (in this ATL) would have been married to Otto III...
If Zoe wants to play rough she could try and impose her husband as Byzantine Emperor by force (i doubt that she has a serious chance... Basil II left the Empire twice as strong when he died but she could try though)...
If Zoe and Otto try something like that maybe the people of Constantinople reacts by pulling Theodora out of her convent and acclaim her as Empress (they could force her to marry some General in order to face Otto's threat)
IMO the clash of the Empires could have lead to a stalemate and a compromise agreement could be formed... Something like that Theodora (and her husband if she has one) remain Emperor/Empress and following her/his/their deaths any potential offspring of Otto and Zoe becomes Emperor...
 
Top