Restructuring the Eastern Frontier: Henry I of Germany, 924–936

The military achievements of Otto I of Germany (r. 936–973) tend to overshadow those of his father Henry I (r. 919–936). It was the first king of the Saxon dynasty, however, who established the foundations of the German Empire. One important development was the creation of a defense-in-depth against Hungarian raiders between the Saale and Elbe rivers. From the mid-920s through the mid-930s, Henry I secured this region through the construction of dozens of fortifications with garrisons able to interdict hostile forces. This study traces the steps by which Henry achieved his military aims, and discusses how the study of military affairs illuminates the administration of the Ottonian kingdom.