History Daily — “Otto the Great Overthrows The Pope”
Date: November 6, 2025
Host: Lindsey Graham

Episode Overview

This episode transports listeners to November 6, 963 CE, chronicling the extraordinary moment when King Otto I—known as “Otto the Great”—overthrew Pope John XII. Through gripping narration, Lindsey Graham explores the ambitions, betrayals, and power plays between Otto and the papacy, underscoring a pivotal turn in both European and Church history: for the first time, a secular ruler deposed a reigning Pope, reshaping the relationship between the Holy Roman Empire and the Vatican.

Key Discussion Points & Timeline

The Rise of Otto the Great

[00:00 - 03:48]

• Introduction to Otto’s Reign:

  • Opens with Otto confronting Hungarian raiders in 955 CE near Augsburg, wielding the legendary Holy Lance.
  • Otto’s victory ends decades of Hungarian incursions and cements his reputation, earning him the title “Otto the Great.”
  • Sets up Otto as the dominant force in Central Europe, poised for even greater ambitions.

• Contextual Quote:

  • “This victory makes him the most powerful king in Central Europe and is so decisive that it earns him a new title, Otto the Great.” — Lindsey Graham, [00:53]

Otto’s Ambitions & Papal Politics

[03:48 - 11:58]

• Securing Succession:

  • Otto makes his six-year-old son joint-king to cement the dynasty ahead of his campaign in Rome.

• The Alliance with Pope John XII:

  • Pope John XII, only 23, seeks Otto’s aid to reclaim papal lands after repeated failures.
  • In exchange, the Pope promises Otto the imperial crown—echoing Charlemagne’s past.

• Rome’s Decay and the Papal Bargain:

  • Otto finds Rome in decline, “vines cover the once impressive walls…cattle roam through the crumbling amphitheaters.” — Lindsey Graham, [07:25]
  • John XII’s debauched lifestyle shocks Otto:

    “He drinks heavily and boasts shamelessly of his sexual exploits. This unholy behavior shocks Otto, and he vows to do something about it when he becomes Emperor.” — Lindsey Graham, [08:07]

• Otto Crowned Holy Roman Emperor:

  • Pope John XII crowns Otto on January 31, 962 CE.
  • A decree is issued: future popes must swear loyalty to the Emperor, giving Otto leverage over the papacy.
  • Tensions simmer, as Pope John believes he can still control Otto.

Betrayal and the Siege of San Leo

[11:58 - 17:37]

• Betrayal by Pope John XII:

  • During Otto’s siege of Berengar’s fortress at San Leo, news arrives: Pope John has betrayed Otto, siding with his enemies.

• Otto’s Response:

  • Otto is furious, stating:

    “Such a treacherous and unholy man cannot protect Christendom. With God as his witness, Otto announces that he will do something about it.” — Lindsey Graham, [13:28]

  • Splits his army; returns to Rome to confront the Pope.

• Pope John Flees:

  • On Otto’s arrival, the Pope flees Rome with treasures.
  • Otto promises the clergy safety and plans to depose John formally rather than capturing him.

The Trial and Deposition of Pope John XII

[17:37 - 21:39]

• The Synod of November 963:

  • Otto convenes a synod at St. Peter’s Basilica; brings together clergy and nobles.
  • Pope John is charged with “conspiracy, adultery, and blasphemy” but refuses to attend and vows to excommunicate participants.

  "Never before has a Holy Roman Emperor removed a reigning pope. It’s a profound assertion of political power over spiritual authority." — Lindsey Graham, [19:11]

• Deposition and Appointment:

  • Pope John XII is formally deposed.
  • Otto selects Leo VIII, a papal bureaucrat with no priestly experience, as the new Pope—a direct assertion of imperial control.

  "Within a matter of hours, Otto’s handpicked candidate Leo is ordained as a priest and then promoted through the ranks, until he is finally consecrated as Bishop of Rome." — Lindsey Graham, [19:46]

Aftermath and Legacy

[21:39 - End]

• John’s Brief Rebellion:

  • After Otto departs Italy, John XII attempts to reclaim the papacy with support from Italian clergy.
  • Pope Leo VIII flees, but before Otto can return to restore order, John dies suddenly—perhaps by stroke, perhaps murder.

• Resolution and Otto’s Triumph:

  • Otto reinstates Leo VIII, returns triumphant to East Francia.
  • His young son is also made co-emperor, securing the dynasty and empire for a generation.

  “He not only controls much of Germany and Italy, but also the Roman Church itself—after deposing a Pope and appointing his own, on November 6, 963 CE.” — Lindsey Graham, [21:29]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "Crying above the hiss of arrows, Otto urges his men to defeat their enemy in the name of God. And then, with a roar, he charges into battle..." — Lindsey Graham, [00:35]
• “He drinks heavily and boasts shamelessly of his sexual exploits. This unholy behavior shocks Otto, and he vows to do something about it when he becomes Emperor.” — [08:07]
• “Never before has a Holy Roman Emperor removed a reigning pope. It’s a profound assertion of political power over spiritual authority.” — [19:11]

Key Timestamps

• [00:00] — Dramatic account of Battle of Lechfeld; Otto’s initial rise.
• [03:48] — Otto’s son crowned; Otto’s alliance with Pope John begins.
• [07:25] — Describes decrepit Rome and the Pope's debauchery.
• [08:34] — Otto crowned Holy Roman Emperor; terms of alliance set.
• [13:28] — Otto learns of Pope John’s betrayal; vows retribution.
• [17:37] — The synod to depose Pope John XII; unprecedented removal.
• [19:46] — Appointment and ordination of Leo VIII; imperial control of papacy.
• [21:29] — Otto’s lasting legacy; domination over both secular and spiritual realms.

Episode Tone

Lindsey Graham’s narration is evocative and immersive, combining dramatic historical storytelling with clear, concise analysis. The tone is suspenseful and authoritative, capturing both the grandeur of medieval intrigue and the personal dimensions of power, betrayal, and ambition.

Summary Useful For:
Listeners seeking a vivid retelling of a watershed moment in medieval history—Otto the Great’s assertion of imperial authority over the papacy—will find this episode insightful, gripping, and rich in historical context. The episode stands out for its seamless blending of political drama, character-driven vignettes, and the seismic shift it narrates in the relationship between Emperor and Church.