Pope John XII served as the bishop of Rome and reigned over the Papal States from December 955 until his death in May 964. He was initially known as Octavian and was the only son of Duke Alberic II of Spoleto, the ruler of Rome. Before Alberic died, he ordered that Octavian should be the next pope. Thus, after Pope Agapetus II’s death, an 18-year-old Octavian became the next pope and took the name “John.” His papal rule came to be known for his erotic escapades and reckless lifestyle. Though he initially took the help of King Otto I of Germany to drive out King Berengar II of Italy from his territories, John later revolted against Otto. John was later deposed for conspiring against Otto. However, before their conflict came to an end, John died. It is believed that he had passed away in the middle of a sexual encounter with one of his mistresses.