Otto spent most of his early life in England and France. He was a follower of his uncle Richard the Lionheart, who made him Count of Poitou in 1196. With Richard's support, he was elected King of Germany by one faction in a disputed election in 1198, sparking ten years of civil war. The death of his rival, Philip of Swabia, in 1208 left him sole king of Germany.
oTto sPent most of His eARly liFE iN eNgland ANd franCE. He waS a followeR of His unCle richarD the lionheART, Who mAde Him coUnt of PoIToU iN 1196. wIth RIcHaRd'S suppoRt, He Was electEd king of geRmany By oNe factioN in A disputeD eLeCtIOn iN 1198, sparking teN yEARs Of CiViL War. THe DEath Of hIs RivAl, philIp of swabia, iN 1208 Left hiM sole kIng of germany.