Ota (wife of Arnulf of Carinthia)

Ota (also known as Uta or Oda) was the wife of Arnulf of Carinthia, the East Frankish king and Holy Roman Emperor. Sources concerning her life are limited, and much of what is known is gleaned from genealogies and brief mentions in chronicles.

Ota's origins are debated among historians. Some theories suggest she was of Bavarian origin, possibly related to the Konradiner family. Other accounts propose a connection to the counts of Raetia. The exact circumstances of her marriage to Arnulf are also uncertain.

She is primarily known as the mother of Louis the Child, the last Carolingian ruler of the East Frankish kingdom. Louis's reign was marked by instability and Magyar incursions, ultimately leading to the end of Carolingian rule in the East Frankish realm.

Following Arnulf's death in 899, Ota likely played a role in the early years of her son Louis's reign, acting as a regent or advisor due to his young age. However, detailed records of her influence during this period are scarce.

The historical record provides little further information about Ota's life after Louis's ascension to the throne. The date and place of her death are unknown. Despite the limited information available, Ota's significance lies in her role as the wife of a powerful ruler and the mother of the last Carolingian king of the East Franks, linking her to a pivotal period in European history.