Ertas, Ilker2026-03-262026-03-2620241300-49212458-908X10.21497/sefad.1344710https://doi.org/10.21497/sefad.1344710https://search.trdizin.gov.tr/en/yayin/detay/1247124/orta-cag-avrupasinda-bir-kimlik-insasi-germen-asilli-otto-hanedanliginin-bizans-uzerinden-romalilasma-cabalarihttps://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14901/3257Ertas, İlker/0000-0002-6884-5267This study examines the efforts of the Otto Dynasty, a Saxon kingdom of Germanic origin, to establish a Roman identity in medieval Europe through their marriage alliance with the Byzantine Empire. The data obtained indicates that the rulers of the Otto Dynasty prioritised the Romanisation process by seeking to legitimise their political and social authority from a religious perspective. This was followed by an expansion of their empire through the consolidation of their political leadership with the Roman identity. The Otto Dynasty, who sought to exploit every opportunity they encountered from the moment they dedicated themselves to this pursuit, maintained a constant dialogue with the Byzantines. In particular, during the reigns of Byzantine Emperors Constantine VII and Nikephoros Phokas II, the attempt at establishing a kinship that could not be finalised was successfully concluded during the reign of Emperor Ioannes Tzimiskes I, thus bringing them one step closer to their goal of Romanisation. The kinship established with Byzantium through Theofano contributed significantly to the Otto Dynasty in terms of political legitimacy in the Western Roman lands. Following this diplomatic marriage, Byzantine images became more prominent in the Otto Dynasty's administrative approaches and artistic activities.eninfo:eu-repo/semantics/openAccessKinshipRoman IdentityByzantiumOtto DynastyTheofanoArticle