Germany and Otto the Great The most effective ruler of medieval Germany was Otto I, known as Otto the Great. The German-Italian empire Otto created was first called the Roman Empire of the German Nation. Following in Charlemagne’s footsteps, Otto also invaded Italy on the pope’s behalf. Otto, crowned king in 936, followed the policies of his hero, Charlemagne. It later became the Holy Roman Empire. In 962, the pope rewarded Otto by crowning him emperor. He dominated the Church in Germany. Otto formed a close alliance with the Church. He also used his power to defeat German princes. It remained the strongest state in Europe until about
