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846 CE

This year falls in the Early Middle Ages (c. 500–1000 CE). In western Europe new kingdoms replace the western Roman Empire, while the Byzantine Empire continues in the east. Islam begins in Arabia in the seventh century and its caliphates soon reach from Spain to Central Asia, and China is reunited under the Sui and Tang dynasties.

Within fifteen years

Ruler · Early Middle Ages · EnglandAlfred the Greatc. 848–899King of Wessex from 871 to 899, born about 848, the only English king called the Great. He stopped the Danish conquest of England at the Battle of Edington in 878 and built a system of fortified towns, the burhs, that held the line. He promoted learning, having Latin works translated into English.

Country · FranceFrance843–France is a large country in western Europe, one of the oldest states on the continent. The Treaty of Verdun in 843 divided the Carolingian Empire and set West Francia on its own path. After monarchy, revolution, and empire, it is now the Fifth Republic, founded in 1958.