What was the Holy Roman Empire? How was it born?

What was the Holy Roman Empire? How was it born?

Europe had fallen into disunity in the years after Charlemagne’s rule. But Otto I (912 – 973 AD) of Germany emerging as a strong power base, tried to bring unity in the lands that was once part of the vast empire of Charlemagne. Otto’s authority was backed by the Pope’s desire for a strong Northern Europe that would assure peace and order in Italy.


When Pope John XII was at war with the Italian king Berengar, he offered Otto the crown and the title of Holy Roman Emperor, if he could defeat Berengar and unite Italy.


Otto accomplished this, and was crowned on 2 February 962 AD. Thus the idea of a Holy Roman Empire that was born with Charlemagne was reborn with Otto I.


The Holy Roman Empire survived nearly 8 centuries after Otto I. it comprised the present Germany, Austria, Italy, Czech Republic and other nearby territories.


The Empire wielded strength and power until the 15th century and survived at least in name till 1806. As was its intention, the Holy Roman Empire succeeded in bringing political as well as spiritual unity to Europe.