Otto V, Duke of Bavaria facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Otto V |
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|---|---|
| Duke of Bavaria with Louis V, Stephen II, Louis VI, William I, and Albert I |
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| Reign | 1347–1349 |
| Predecessor | Louis IV |
| Successor | Partitioned into Upper and Lower Bavaria |
| Duke of Upper Bavaria with Louis VI and Louis V |
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| Reign | 1349–1351 |
| Predecessor | Created from Bavaria |
| Successor | Louis V |
| Margrave of Brandenburg until 1365 with Louis VI |
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| Reign | 1351 – 15 November 1373 |
| Predecessor | Louis V |
| Successor | Wenceslaus, King of the Romans |
| Elector of Brandenburg until 1365 with Louis VI |
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| Reign | 1356 – 15 November 1373 |
| Predecessor | Louis V (as margrave) |
| Successor | Wenceslaus, King of the Romans |
| Born | c. 1340 |
| Died | 15 November 1379 (aged 36–39) |
| Spouse | Katharine of Bohemia |
| House | Wittelsbach |
| Father | Louis IV, Holy Roman Emperor |
| Mother | Margaret II, Countess of Hainaut |
Otto V (born around 1340, died November 15, 1379) was an important ruler in medieval Europe. He was a Duke of Bavaria and also an Elector of Brandenburg. This meant he had a big role in choosing the Holy Roman Emperor. Otto was the fourth son of Emperor Louis IV and his second wife, Margaret of Holland.
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Otto V's Life and Rule
Otto V was a member of the powerful Wittelsbach family. He lived during a time when different parts of Europe were ruled by dukes, counts, and emperors. His life involved many changes in his titles and lands.
Otto became a Duke of Bavaria in 1347, sharing the title with his five brothers. This happened after his father, Emperor Louis IV, passed away. Bavaria was a large and important region.
In 1349, Bavaria was divided into different parts. Otto, along with his brothers Louis V and Louis VI, became joint dukes of Upper Bavaria.
Becoming an Elector of Brandenburg
In 1351, Otto and Louis VI made a deal with their brother Louis V. They gave up their rights in Bavaria. In exchange, they received the Margraviate of Brandenburg. This was a different territory to rule.
A few years later, in 1356, Louis VI and Otto received a very special title: Elector. An Elector was one of the powerful princes who had the right to elect the Holy Roman Emperor. This made them very important figures in the empire.
Growing Up and Taking Charge
Otto was still young when he first became a duke. He grew up in his mother's lands in the Netherlands. His older brother, Louis V, helped guide him.
In 1360, Otto became old enough to rule on his own. When his brother Louis VI died in 1365, Otto became the sole Elector of Brandenburg. This meant he was fully in charge of that territory.
Marriage and Political Changes
On March 19, 1366, Otto married Katharine of Bohemia. She was the daughter of Emperor Charles IV. She had also been married before to Rudolf IV, Duke of Austria.
Otto and his brother Louis VI had promised Emperor Charles IV that he could take over Brandenburg after them. This agreement was partly because of a disagreement they had with their brother Stephen II about who would inherit Bavaria.
Giving Up Brandenburg
Otto didn't always pay close attention to governing Brandenburg. Because of this, Emperor Charles IV invaded Brandenburg in 1371.
Two years later, in 1373, Otto officially gave up his rule over Brandenburg. He received a large amount of money in return. This event marked the end of the Wittelsbach family's rule in Brandenburg.
After giving up Brandenburg, Otto moved back to Bavaria. He was still recognized as a co-ruler by his brother Stephen II. Otto spent his later years enjoying life at Wolfstein castle in Landshut. He kept his title as an Elector for the rest of his life.
