983 John XIV. Death of Otto in Rome.
984 Boniface suddenly reappears, imprisons John (who dies by starvation or poison), and seats himself in the papal chair. Re-establishment of the Roman Republic with the consul Crescentius at its head.
985 Sudden death of Boniface. John XV. Crescentius compels him to leave Rome, and he appeals to Otto III.
987 John is permitted to return. He now rules, but in subjection to the consul and senate.
996 On death of John, Otto brings about election of his kinsman, Gregory V (Bruno, duke of Carinthia). He crowns Otto emperor. Crescentius condemned to exile, but pardoned at intercession of Gregory, to whom he takes oath of fidelity. Crescentius compels Gregory to flee, and puts John XVI (Philagathus) in the papal chair.
998 Otto, as soon as possible, comes to Italy. John escapes, but is brought back and horribly punished. Crescentius surrenders, and is put to death. Gregory restored.
999 Death of Gregory, perhaps by poison. Silvester II (Gerbert). Otto and Gregory plan together to restore the empire to its grandeur in the Augustan Age—the emperor to have boundless temporal, and the pope boundless spiritual, power.
1001 The Roman nobles revolt at this idea, but are quickly brought to terms.
1002 Death of Otto, probably by poison administered by Stephania, widow of Crescentius.