Otto was chastised publicly by the holy man Nilus for his treatment of John Philagathos, who was Otto's godfather and reputedly his mother's lover. Since then, a remorseful Otto has become more melancholy and ascetic. He also has ordered aides to speak in Greek, a language few have mastered. The emperor now dines from gold plates in silent isolation. While presiding over the court, he wears one of 10 crowns of Byzantine origin, including peacock feathers and the golden crown of Persia.
Opponents view the elaborate court activities as indulgent.
But supporters laud Otto for aspiring to greatness. Whether he can achieve it remains to be seen. Inc. All Rights Reserved.