812 CE

Ex-emperor Staurakios, a son of Nikephoros I, dies of putrefaction in his wounds (see 811) in a monastery. He has reigned only two months and eight days, before being exiled by senior officials in Constantinople. The Chinese government takes over the issuing of paper bank drafts, the ancestor of paper money. Fourth Fitna: Forces loyal to al-Ma'mun, led by Tahir ibn Husayn, blockade Baghdad, which is loyal to al-Ma'mun's brother, Caliph al-Amin, and begin the year-long Siege of Baghdad.

In the 810s, the 9th century.

Geopolitics & Diplomacy

  • The Chinese government takes over the issuing of paper bank drafts, the ancestor of paper money.source
  • Charlemagne conquers Catalonia, as far south as the River Ebro and the Balearic Islands. The counties come under the rule of Bera, count of Barcelona. He signs a three-year peace treaty with the Emirate of Córdoba.source
  • Emperor Michael I re-opens peace negotiations with the Franks, and recognizes Charlemagne as emperor (basileus) of the Frankish Empire. In exchange for this recognition, Venice is returned to the Byzantine Empire.source

Conflict & Security

  • Byzantine–Bulgarian War: The Bulgars, led by Krum, ruler (khan) of the Bulgarian Empire, launch an invasion against the Byzantines. They capture the fortress cities of Develt and Mesembria, near the Black Sea.source
  • At the death of king Hemming of Denmark two claimants to the throne, Sigfred and Anulo, meet in battle but are both killed. Harald and Reginfrid, brothers of Anulo, becomes joint kings of Denmark.source
  • The Republic of Amalfi sends galleys to support the Byzantine general (strategos) of Sicily, Gregorio, against the Aghlabid invaders. It is one of the earliest evidences of the independence of the city.source
  • King Sigered of Essex is reduced to the rank of duke, by his Mercian overlords.source
  • Fourth Fitna: Forces loyal to al-Ma'mun, led by Tahir ibn Husayn, blockade Baghdad, which is loyal to al-Ma'mun's brother, Caliph al-Amin, and begin the year-long Siege of Baghdad.source

Science & Discovery

  • Charlemagne issues the Capitulare de villis, concerning the rights of a feudal landholder and the services owed by his dependents. It also contains the names of some 89 plants, of which most are used medically.source

Disasters & Accidents

  • Deganwy, Wales is burned by lightning.source

Culture & Society

  • Earliest record of cherry blossom at the Imperial Court in Kyoto.source

Births

  • Domnall mac Ailpín, king of Scotland (died 862)source
  • Theodora of Thessaloniki, Byzantine nun and saint (died 892)source
  • Wen Tingyun, Chinese poet and lyricist (died 870)source
  • Wang Yuankui, general of the Tang Dynasty (died 854)source
  • Li Rong, prince of the Tang Dynasty (or 813)source
  • Sugawara no Koreyoshi, Japanese nobleman (died 880)source

Deaths

  • January 11 – Staurakios, Byzantine emperorsource
  • January 11 – Ex-emperor Staurakios, a son of Nikephoros I, dies of putrefaction in his wounds (see 811) in a monastery. He has reigned only two months and eight days, before being exiled by senior officials in Constantinople.source
  • Tian Ji'an, general of the Tang Dynastysource
  • Ibrahim I, Muslim emir of the Aghlabids (born 756)source
  • Li Ning, prince of the Tang Dynasty (born 793)source
  • Du You, chancellor of the Tang Dynasty (born 735)source
  • Jeong, king of Balhae (Korea) (approximate date)source
  • Abd al-Malik ibn Salih, Abbasid general (born 750)source
  • Flann mac Congalaig, king of Brega (Ireland)source
  • Fujiwara no Uchimaro, Japanese nobleman (born 756)source
  • Nikephoros, son of Constantine V (approximate date)source
  • Candidus of Fulda, Benedictine scholarsource
  • William of Gellone, Frankish nobleman (or 814)source