What is "otto iv?

Otto IV (1175 or 1176 – 19 May 1218) was a Holy Roman Emperor who ruled from 1198 until he was deposed in 1215. He was the son of Henry the Lion, Duke of Saxony, and Matilda, granddaughter of Henry II of England. He was crowned King of Germany at the age of 12 in 1198 and became Emperor the same year.

During his reign, Otto IV faced several challenges, including conflict with Pope Innocent III, who supported his rival, Frederick II. Otto also faced opposition from the powerful Archbishop of Cologne, who formed an alliance with Philip of Swabia, another rival for the throne.

Otto's rule was marked by military campaigns, including a successful one against the Kingdom of Sicily. However, his failure to secure the support of the German princes ultimately led to his downfall. In 1215, he was deposed by Frederick II, who was elected as his successor.

Otto IV died in 1218 at the age of 42, leaving behind a mixed legacy. While he is remembered as a capable military leader and a popular ruler, his failure to secure the support of the German princes led to the end of the Guelph dynasty and the rise of the Hohenstaufen dynasty.