Hello and welcome to the history of the Germans.

Episode 10, the misfortunes one can endure.

After last week's more descriptive episode, this week we have an action-packed 25 minutes for you to enjoy.

To get you back in the picture, we are in the year 977, and Otto II, together with two

more autos, had just put down the rebellion of the three Henry's.

Though the rebellion was challenging, Otto II seemed to have remained in control of the

situation throughout.

Some disaffected nobles had joined Henry's banner,

but the major dukes, counts and bishops have remained loyal.

But that lack of jeopardy will also be a weakness in Otto's reign.

Without the sign of divine favour

that was so obviously bestowed on Otto the Great in Burton and Andernach,

Otto II's PR was not much better after the rebellion than before. The harsh treatment of Henry and his co-conspirators

was a long way off the medieval ideal of the merciful ruler. Resentment continued, which narrowed

his room to maneuver.

As Otto II's family is quite small, it is crucial that he keeps them in strong positions dotted around the realm and aligned with his political objectives.

One of the most important family members is his mother, Ardlehyde.

Ardlehyde was a significant political player in her own right.

During the reign of her husband, she was regularly referred to as the co-ruler of the Empire.

She had a particularly important role in Italy, where she had been queen long before her husband had intervened.

The Italian magnates saw her as the main reference point within the Otonian family, and

she generously sponsored certain families, including the Counts of Canossa, who became one of

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