Birth of Otto IV
Birth of Otto IV, son of Henry the Lion, Duke of Bavaria & Saxony
Role range: 1198-1215
Historical biography archive · Updated 2026-11-03
Otto IV Biography and Timeline
Follow Otto IV through 18 dated historical records for Germany.
Otto IV, historical timeline
A chronological timeline drawn from matching World History Database records.
18Distinct records
1 of 1Page
1174–1309Years on this page
1174
1198
Succession
Succeeds as Holy Roman Empero
Role range: 1198-1215
Declaration of War
Otto is supported by the Guelfs against Philip, Duke of Swabia, as Emperor
Role range: 1198-1208 – 1198-1215
1208
Assassination of Philip of Swabia
Has Philp of Swabia assassinated, marks end of civil war
Role range: 1198-1208 – 1198-1215
Death of Otto IV
Death of Philp of Swabia, assassinated by Otto IV, ends the civil war
Role range: 1198-1208 – 1198-1215
Succession
Elected to succeed Philip of Swabia
Role range: 1198-1215
Invasion of Italy
Otto meets the Pope but refuses to yield territories captured since 1197
Holy Roman Empire
Otto invades Italy
Role range: 1198-1215
Invasion of Italy
Otto invades Italy
Role range: 1198-1215
1209
Coronation
Crowned Holy Roman Emperor
Role range: 1198-1215
1210
Excommunication
Excommunicated by Pope Innocent III
Role range: 1198-1215
Capture of Germany
Captures Southern Italy
Role range: 1198-1215
Holy Roman Empire
Captures Southern Italy
Role range: 1198-1215
1214
Battle of Bouvines
Otto IV marches into Flanders but is defeated by the French. Ensures the succession of Frederick II as Emperor. Confirms Philip II as ruler of northern France
Role range: 1198-1215
Invasion of France
Otto IV invades France in support of King John
Role range: 1198-1215
1215
Abdication
Forced by Innocent III to retire to his estates in Brunswick
Role range: 1198-1215
1218
Death of Otto IV
Death of Otto IV, leaves Frederick the undisputed leader of the Germans
Role range: 1198-1215
1309
Succession
Succeeds as Duke of Lower Bavaria
Role range: 1309-1334
Records, sources and methodology
These dates and descriptions come from the historical_events database. Exact duplicate records have been collapsed. Names are grouped by the country, Name 2 and Name 1 fields; records with missing Name 2 cannot be reliably assigned to an individual biography. Check the underlying sources before formal citation.