991 Death of Theophano. Adelheid and Willigis, archbishop of Cologne, assume regency in Germany.
995 Otto takes up conduct of affairs.
996 Otto summoned to Rome on account of difficulties between the Pope and Crescentius, the Roman consul. Coronation of Otto as emperor by Gregory V. Crescentius swears obedience to Otto, but breaks his oath.
998 Otto comes a second time to Rome and puts Crescentius to death.
999 Otto and Pope Silvester II plan for a great union of the Eastern and Western Empires under Otto.
1000 A widespread belief that the world will end this year brings great troops of pilgrims to Rome. Poland acknowledges the supremacy of the emperor.
1001 Revolt of the Romans.
1002 Death of Otto. The nobles and bishops of Italy at once choose Arduin, marquis of Ivrea, king of Italy. He is crowned at Pavia. The Germans, after a bitter contest, elect Henry II, son of Henry the Wrangler, king of Germany.
1004 Henry, having pacified Germany, marches against the unpopular Arduin, is proclaimed king of Italy and crowned. The Germans burn Pavia. War with Poland compels Henry to return to Germany without reducing Arduin.