Historical Events from This Year 870
Closure of the Fourth Council of Constantinople
The Fourth Council of Constantinople culminated in critical theological decisions and was a pivotal moment for the Eastern Orthodox Church. Convened by Emperor Basil I, the council primarily addressed the issue of the Photian schism, a conflict stemming from the elevation of Photius to the patriarchate of Constantinople, which had been controversial due to its legitimacy. The deliberations concluded with the acceptance of certain doctrines and the reaffirmation of the Nicene Creed, signifying unity in the church’s beliefs and leadership structure.
Continue ReadingPartition of the Middle Frankish Kingdom
King Louis the German and his half-brother Charles the Bald met at Meerssen to partition the Middle Frankish Kingdom. The agreement divided the territory into two main parts, creating distinct eastern and western factions of governance. This division was intended to stabilize the region following a series of conflicts and territorial disputes among the brothers and their respective territories, helping to safeguard their realms from external threats.
Continue ReadingMelite Falls to Aghlabid Forces After Siege
Aghlabid forces successfully besieged the city of Melite, leading to its surrender and marking a significant shift in control over the island of Malta. This victory ended Byzantine authority in the region. The siege was characterized by strategic bombardments and attempts to starve the city into submission, ultimately culminating in negotiations that resulted in the surrender of its Byzantine defenders. This event changed the political landscape of Malta and set the stage for Islamic rule.
Continue ReadingVikings Defeated by Ealdorman Æthelwulf
Ealdorman Æthelwulf of Berkshire led a decisive counterattack against Viking forces at the Battle of Englefield. The confrontation occurred near Reading in East Anglia, where Æthelwulf successfully rallied his troops and drove the invading Danes back, resulting in significant losses for the invaders. The battle was marked by fierce combat, showcasing both strategic leadership and the resolve of local forces in defending their territory against Viking encroachment.
Continue ReadingBorn in 870
People Who Died in 870
Ceolnoth
Served as archbishop of Canterbury during the 9th century. Oversaw the diocese at a time of significant religious and political challenges. Contributed to the development of the church and its administrative structures. His tenure included efforts to strengthen ecclesiastical influence and manage relations with the monarchy and Viking incursions. Ceolnoth's leadership was marked by a commitment to restoring and maintaining church authority in a turbulent time.
Continue ReadingÆbbe the Younger
Served as the abbess of the convent in Remiremont, playing a significant role in the ecclesiastical system of the time. Under her leadership, the abbey developed into an influential religious center. Oversaw the administration of the abbey and its lands, contributing to its stability and growth. Her tenure is noted for efforts to maintain the religious and cultural integrity of the convent during a tumultuous period of political changes in the region.
Continue ReadingAl-Muhtadi
Ascended to the caliphate in 869, Al-Muhtadi managed a period of political and military challenges within the Abbasid Empire. His reign lasted until 870 when he died under uncertain circumstances. His leadership was marked by efforts to stabilize the caliphate amidst internal strife and external threats. Al-Muhtadi's rule also involved military campaigns against the Byzantine Empire and managing the complexities of various provincial leaders' allegiances.
Continue ReadingMuhammad al-Bukhari
Born in 810, contributed significantly to Islamic scholarship through the compilation of hadith, which are sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad. His most well-known work, Sahih al-Bukhari, is regarded as one of the most authentic collections of hadith in Islam. Such efforts laid a foundation for future scholarship in Islamic jurisprudence and theology. Al-Bukhari traveled extensively across the Islamic world, seeking authentic narratives, and established rigorous criteria for evaluating hadith reliability. His work remains a cornerstone in Islamic studies today.
Continue Reading