In Antapodosis, while the German kingdom was under Henry's peaceful rule, the rest of the Europe was in great turmoil. Hugh of Arles was a lacklustre King of the regnum Italiae. Rebellions were common and if that was not enough, the nobility invited invaders into the kingdom. This was combined with wars with the Muslims who attacked and killed the Christians. It seems that great catastrophe loomed over the continent, where nothing good was seen.

But in the fourth book of Liudprand's chronicle, the great King Henry died and Otto is chosen as his successor. Many scholars saw the description of Henry's coronation as a reference or re-imagination of the events of 936 or 961. In their opinion, what happened in Fritzlar was based on later circumstances. Contrary to their opinion, the descriptions are quite different; the reasons for that will be shown bellow.

Death of a King

First Henry's death needs to be discussed. The concept of a good death, where the dying person has not only lived a good life, but also passed away peacefully, applies to this description. Henry's quiet end in Res Gestae marks the end of the first book which was describing the rise of the powerful dux and later king to the position of the strongest ruler in Europe. In contrast, Liudprand placed it in the middle of a description of the fall of Europe. The context is important here. The book begins with the Italian affairs which correspond with what happened in Saxony.

King Hugh of Arles marked his son Lothar as his successor. Henry did the same with Otto. Liudolfing is elevated for this deed, but for Hugh there is no praise, nor attack. While it is only a statement of fact, in its bareness it has a negative effect on the image of the Italian king. Hugh then shows that he is not as good as Henry. After his designation, he decided to acquire Rome. He tried to do so before his marriage to Marozia, but failed when her son Alberic rebelled and forced him to retreat from the city. Hugh's attempt had nothing to do with valour or strength. It was a scheme in which his daughter Alda was to be used.