Otto of Greece

Otto, King of Greece, also known as Otto of Wittelsbach, Prince of Bavaria, (June 1, 1815 - July 26, 1867) was made first modern king of Greece in 1832 under the Convention of London, where Greece became a new independent kingdom under the protection of Great Britain, France and Russia.

He entered Greece with many Bavarian advisors and showed little respect for local customs. Initially he refused to grant a constitution, but was forced to do so after a military coup in 1843. The "Great Idea", his dream of restoring the Byzantine Empire under Christian rule, led to his entering the Crimean War against Turkey; the enterprise was unsuccessful. After another coup, he was deposed in 1862 and left for Bavaria, taking with him the Greek royal regalia which he had brought from Bavaria in 1832.

He was born in Salzburg, Austria, son of Ludwig I of Bavaria and his wife Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen (1792-1854). He married, at Oldenburg, on November 22, 1836, Amelie of Oldenburg (December 21, 1818 - May 20, 1875). He died in Bamberg, Germany and was buried in Munich, Germany.

Preceded by: Autonomous Greek Republic under Russia

Kings of Greece

Succeeded by: George I