Directory

951 CE

The Northern Han Kingdom is founded by Liu Chong (called Shizu) in modern-day Shanxi who restores the diplomatic relations with the Khitans. Northern Han becomes a protectorate of the Liao dynasty. Guo Wei, a court official, leads a military coup and declares himself emperor of the new Later Zhou. The 19-year-old Emperor Liu Chengyou is killed after a 3-year reign, ending the short-lived Later Han. Emperor Li Jing sends a Southern Tang expeditionary force (10,000 men) under Bian Hao to conquer Chu. Li Jing removes the ruling family to his own capital in Nanjing, ending the Chu Kingdom.

Geopolitics & Diplomacy

  • February 9 – The Northern Han Kingdom is founded by Liu Chong (called Shizu) in modern-day Shanxi who restores the diplomatic relations with the Khitans. Northern Han becomes a protectorate of the Liao dynasty.source
  • February 13 – Guo Wei, a court official, leads a military coup and declares himself emperor of the new Later Zhou. The 19-year-old Emperor Liu Chengyou is killed after a 3-year reign, ending the short-lived Later Han.source
  • Abd ar-Rahman III signs a peace in 951 with the new king of León, Ordoño III, in order to have a free hand against the Fatimids, whose ships are harassing the caliphal fleet in the Mediterranean and had even launched an assault against Almeria. Abd ar-Rahman's force, led by prime minister Ahmad ibn Said, besieges the Fatimid port of Tunis, which purchases its safety through a huge sum.source
  • Abd ar-Rahman III consolidated his grip on North Africa by occupying Tangier in 951.source

Conflict & Security

  • November 16 – Emperor Li Jing sends a Southern Tang expeditionary force (10,000 men) under Bian Hao to conquer Chu. Li Jing removes the ruling family to his own capital in Nanjing, ending the Chu Kingdom.source
  • Fall – King Otto I crosses the Brenner Pass and takes his army into Italy. He is accompanied by his brothers, Henry I (duke of Bavaria), Bruno I, and Conrad the Red (duke of Lotharingia). Otto faces no opposition and they arrive in Pavia. Berengar II has departed the day before and entrenched himself in San Marino. Otto receives the homage of the Italian nobility, marries Adelaide, and declares himself King of the Lombards.source

Religion & Belief

  • Otto I dispatches an embassy to Rome to apply for an imperial coronation with Pope Agapetus II – but Prince Alberic II makes it clear that this is not possible (afraid of Otto's growing power), and opposes the request.source

Crime & Justice

  • Emperor Shi Zong successfully repels a Chinese advance from the south. In October he is killed by a rebellious nephew after a three year reign. Shi Zong is succeeded by his uncle Mu Zong as ruler of the Liao dynasty.source

Births

  • Zhao Dezhao (Yi of Yan), prince of the Song dynasty (d. 979)source
  • Gaston II Centule, viscount of Béarn (approximate date)source
  • Ibn al-Kattani, Moorish scholar and physician (d. 1029)source
  • Romuald, founder of the Camaldolese order (approximate date)source
  • Sidi Mahrez, Muslim scholar and 'protector' (wali) (d. 1022)source
  • Gregory of Narek, Armenian monk and theologian (d. 1003)source
  • Liu Chenggui, official of the Song dynasty (d. 1016)source
  • Abu Talib Yahya, Muslim imam of the Zaydiyyah sect (d. 1033)source
  • Henry II (the Wrangler), duke of Bavaria (d. 995)source

Deaths

  • January 1 – Ramiro II, king of León and Galiciasource
  • January 2 – Liu Chengyou, emperor of Later Han (b. 931)source
  • January 2 – Su Fengji, Chinese official and chancellorsource
  • January 25 – Ma Xiguang, ruler of Chu (Ten Kingdoms)source
  • February 24 – Liu Yun, Chinese governor (jiedushi)source
  • March 12 – Ælfheah the Bald, bishop of Winchestersource
  • June 7 – Lu Wenji, Chinese chancellor (b. 876)source
  • June 8 – Zhao Ying, Chinese chancellor (b. 885)source
  • October 7 – Zhen, Chinese Khitan empress consortsource
  • October 7 – Shi Zong, emperor of the Liao dynasty (b. 919)source
  • October 7 – Xiao, Chinese Khitan empress dowagersource
  • October 8 – Xiao Sagezhi, Chinese Khitan empresssource
  • Wang Yanzheng, emperor of Min (approximate date)source
  • Cennétig mac Lorcáin, king of Tuadmumu (Ireland)source