Otto III (review)
Lindsay Diggelmann
Reviewed by: Otto III Lindsay Diggelmann Althoff, Gerd , III, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania State University Press, 2003; cloth; pp. x, 215; RRP US$45; ISBN 0271022329. King of the Germans and Holy Roman Emperor, ascended throne at age three did not live to see his 22nd birthday. His brief life (980-1002) remains rather shadowy, even by standards medieval biography. Yet it has assumed an enormous importance in history German national consciousness, since many scholars have chosen predecessors Saxon line as founders a empire post-Carolingian period. Professor Althoff recognises dangers this approach wishes revisit Otto's reign assessing them on their own terms, than viewing through prism later nationalism. Originally published 1996, is first Althoff's works be translated into English. He is, however, responsible (along with Johannes Fried Patrick J. Geary) for stimulating edited collection Medieval Concepts Past: Memory, Ritual, Historiography (Cambridge 2002) which attempts bridge sizeable gap between German-speaking English-speaking historians Middle Ages. That all too apparent here: perhaps only major frustration involved reading that vast majority endnotes bibliographical entries refer German, making further research difficult those anglophone persuasion. Of course simply consequence translation process, small price pay having text itself available With relatively little contemporary material base narrative life, moves beyond simple Broader themes are present throughout, especially nature tenth-century kingship ritual aspects political activity. There strong consistent emphasis analysis sources, slim though they are. This may sound self-evident any serious work history, yet shows repeatedly how generations moved careful sources propagate theories support much cultural standpoints. When discussing surrounding purpose journey Gniezno Poland (ostensibly made visit sainted Adalbert Prague, [End Page 185] former advisor confidant) concludes 'the evidence we raises questions cannot answer' (p. 96). The comment might stand epigraph entire book. Indeed, characterises 'reductionist' 51) rigorous method forces him puncture inflated assumptions misguided conclusions earlier scholars, often without being able offer viable alternative reading. For he makes no excuses, if picture III's career necessarily deprived some colour controversy, one feels certainly more accurate versions. One most prominent axes ground been idea 'Roman renewal' (renovatio). At least efforts Percy E. Schramm 1920s, sought locate attempt re-establish Rome head secular based classical model, aligned but distinct from parallel Christian 'empire' under leadership papacy. While criticise concerned point out anachronism assigning such detailed programme late tenth century. several expeditions interfered papal politics time-honoured manner predecessors. But does not, view, constitute formal policy 'renewal'. Similarly, finds best (and counter-productive worst) identify firm or amid activities mother grandmother during periods regency youth (pp. 40-1). Historians constructed putative 'eastern...
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