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Death of Otto III

Type Event Region Holy Roman Empire Time 1002

On 23 January 1002, Holy Roman Emperor Otto III died of illness at Paterno Castle while returning south from Italy, aged only twenty-one.…

Timeline

  1. 1001central Italy · ItalyAfter completing his tour of southern Italy, Otto III traveled north, contracting malaria or a high fever en route. His condition worsened, forcing him to stop and rest at Paterno Castle.
  2. 1002Paterno Castle · LazioOn 23 January 1002, Otto III died at Paterno Castle without leaving an heir. His body was later transported back to Aachen for burial, and the empire fell into a vacant throne and a scramble among the princes.

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