Directory

773 CE

A large and sudden increase in radiocarbon ( 14 C) occurs around 773, in coral skeletons from the South China Sea (see 774-775 carbon-14 spike). The number 0 is introduced to the city of Baghdad, which will be developed in the Middle East by Arabian mathematicians, who will base their numbers on the Indian system (long after the Maya culture developed the concept, cf. Maya numerals). King Khongtekcha of Manipur (modern India) dies after a 10-year reign; during his rule the Meitei language script first appears.

Geopolitics & Diplomacy

  • King Alhred of Northumbria makes overtures of friendship toward Charlemagne (approximate date).source

Conflict & Security

  • Siege of Pavia: Charlemagne besieges Pavia, which is poorly stocked with food. King Desiderius remains in the capital, and orders his son Adalgis to defend Verona to guard Gerberga, and the children of Carloman I. After a short siege, Adalgis flees to Constantinople, where he is received by Emperor Constantine V. Meanwhile, the Franks capture the cities of Verona and Mortara.source
  • Saxon Wars: Saxon forces seize upon Charlemagne's preoccupation with Italy to retake Eresburg and Syburg (near Dortmund). They unsuccessfully attack the episcopal centre of Büraburg, which had been established by St. Boniface (see 723).source

Exploration & Expansion

  • The number 0 is introduced to the city of Baghdad, which will be developed in the Middle East by Arabian mathematicians, who will base their numbers on the Indian system (long after the Maya culture developed the concept, cf. Maya numerals).source

Religion & Belief

  • Summer – King Charlemagne and his uncle Bernard, son of Charles Martel, cross the Alps with a Frankish expeditionary force at the request of Pope Adrian I. At the foot of the mountains in the Susa Valley (Northern Italy), the Franks are hindered by Lombard fortifications. After scouting, Charlemagne attacks the defenders from the flank, and forces the Lombards to flee to the fortified capital Pavia.source

Science & Discovery

  • A large and sudden increase in radiocarbon ( 14 C) occurs around 773, in coral skeletons from the South China Sea (see 774-775 carbon-14 spike).source

Births

  • Duan Wenchang, chancellor of the Tang Dynasty (d. 835)source
  • Liu Zongyuan, Chinese poet and official (d. 819)source
  • Heizei, emperor of Japan (d. 824)source
  • Wei Chuhou, chancellor of the Tang Dynasty (d. 829)source
  • Fujiwara no Otsugu, Japanese statesman (d. 843)source
  • Peter of Atroa, Byzantine abbot and saint (d. 837)source
  • Li Su, general of the Tang Dynasty (d. 821)source
  • Pepin of Italy, son of Charlemagne (d. 810)source

Deaths

  • June 11 – Li Miao, Tang dynasty Chinese princesource
  • Brochfael ap Elisedd, king of Powys (Wales)source
  • Xue Song, general of the Yan and Tang Dynastiessource
  • Donn Cothaid mac Cathail, king of Connacht (Ireland)source
  • Rōben, Japanese Buddhist monk (b. 689)source
  • Khongtekcha, king of Manipur (India)source
  • King Khongtekcha of Manipur (modern India) dies after a 10-year reign; during his rule the Meitei language script first appears.source