10th Century CE

Image depicting the 10th Century CE, such as the Ottonian Dynasty or Song Dynasty

The 10th century CE is often seen as a period of consolidation following the chaos of the Viking and Magyar raids, marked by the rise of feudal states in Europe, a cultural revival in the Byzantine Empire, and the political reunification of China.

  • Major Events
    1. Otto I crowned Holy Roman Emperor (962 CE), establishing the Ottonian Dynasty and the Holy Roman Empire.
    2. Founding of the Song Dynasty in China (960 CE), unifying most of China after the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period.
    3. Conversion of Kievan Rus' to Orthodox Christianity (late 10th century).
    4. The height of the Macedonian Renaissance in the Byzantine Empire.
  • Major Empires
    1. Holy Roman Empire (Central Europe)
    2. Song Dynasty (China)
    3. Byzantine Empire (East)
    4. Fatimids (North Africa/Egypt) and Umayyads (Al-Andalus/Spain)
  • Major Conflicts
    1. Battle of Lechfeld (955 CE): Otto I defeats the Magyars, ending their raids into Western Europe.
    2. Byzantine-Bulgarian Wars continue, with Byzantium gaining the upper hand.
    3. Consolidation wars leading to the foundation of the Song Dynasty.
  • Population Trends
    1. Population growth begins in Western Europe as raids subside and feudal systems provide stability.
    2. Massive urbanization and population density in Song China.
  • Key Leaders
    1. Otto I (Holy Roman Emperor)
    2. Basil II (Byzantine Emperor, beginning his long reign)
    3. Taizu of Song (Founder of the Song Dynasty)
  • Key Intellectuals
    1. Gerbert of Aurillac (later Pope Sylvester II, introduced Arabic numerals to Europe)
    2. Firdausi (Persian poet, began writing the Shahnameh)
    3. Constantine VII Porphyrogenitus (Byzantine Emperor and scholar)
  • Major Religions
    1. Christianity (Major spread to Scandinavian, Slavic, and Hungarian peoples).
    2. Islam (Splits with three rival caliphates: Abbasid, Fatimid, Umayyad).
    3. Buddhism and Neo-Confucianism (Flourish under the Song Dynasty).
  • Key Developments
    1. Establishment of the first permanent universities (e.g., Al-Azhar in Cairo, 970 CE).
    2. Significant advancements in printing and gunpowder technology in Song China.
    3. Beginnings of the high medieval economic and cultural revival in Europe.