Otto II of Brunswick-Harburg, nicknamed the Younger, or the Famous was from 1549 until his death of Duke of Brunswick-Harburg.
Background
Otto was the eldest son of the Duke Otto I of Brunswick-Harburg (1495–1549) from his marriage to Metta von Campen (died 1580). The House of Brunswick-Lüneburg did not recognize Otto"s right to inherit his father"s lordship on the grounds that the marriage between his parents had been morganatic. Supported by Emperor Ferdinand I, Otto repeatedly renewed his demands and in 1560, he was finally confirmed as his father"s successor as ruler of the Lordship of Harburg.
Career
Otto received a princely education. His territory was even extended with neighbouring Moisburg. Otto continued his father"s construction project at Harburg Castle and transformed it into a princely residence.
He moved in permanently in 1551.
In 1560, he began developing the castle chapel. To finance his activities, he raised taxes and levied special taxes, which led to dissatisfaction.
From 1561 to 1577, the population of his territory shrank, due to the plague. He built a salt magazine, in order to promote the salt trade with Lüneburg.
This, however, did not enjoy the success he had expected.