Chosen by God Chapter 2

After the death of Charlemagne, and his son Louis the Pious, the Frankish kingdom was split into three parts

East Francia, becoming the Kingdom of Germany

West Francia, becoming the Kingdom of France,

And Middle Francia, becoming a punching bag.

The coronation of Otto I as king of east Francia, had resurrected the title of Roman Emperor. The old Salic law of the Frankish kingdom, responsible for tearing the mighty empire apart, had since been cast out in favor of an elected monarch. Yet, Otto’s father named his son heir apparent without consulting the electors, later after bloody conflict Otto’s reign was secured and the German king looked hungrily towards the kingdom of Italy, ripe for subjugation, he allowed Berengar II to become king of Italy if he swore fealty to Otto. Berengar was resentful of the fact he was a vassal to the king and when Otto went to Germany Berengar saw the opportunity and laid siege to Rome. Pope John XII cried out for aid to Otto. Otto saw a chance to demonstrate his loyalty to the church and rushed over defeating Berengar. When he entered Rome Otto met with John XII and took an oath to protect the church against all adversaries. The pope having secured a second Charlemagne could rest easy for now, and for Otto’s service, he was crowned, Imperator Romanorum.

-Manticore