940 CE

Taira no Masakado, the self-proclaimed "New Emperor" (新皇), is subdued by local rivals who revolt against his rule. His forces are defeated by his cousin, Taira no Sadamori, in Shimōsa Province. Masakado's head is brought back to Emperor Suzaku in Tokyo. Narita-san ("New victory temple"), a Shingon Buddhist temple, is founded in Chiba (Japan). Saadia Gaon, a Jewish rabbi and philosopher, compiles his Siddur (Jewish prayer book) in Arabic and synagogal poetry in modern-day Iraq (approximate date).

In the 940s, the 10th century.

Conflict & Security

  • March 25 – Taira no Masakado, the self-proclaimed "New Emperor" (新皇), is subdued by local rivals who revolt against his rule. His forces are defeated by his cousin, Taira no Sadamori, in Shimōsa Province. Masakado's head is brought back to Emperor Suzaku in Tokyo.source

Exploration & Expansion

  • The tribe of the Polans begins the construction of the following fortified settlements (Giecz, Bnin, Ląd, Gniezno, Poznań, Grzybowo and Ostrów Lednicki) in Greater Poland. The Piast Dynasty under Duke Siemomysł gains control over other groups of Polans along the Upper Vistula, and establishes their rule around Giecz (approximate date).source

Religion & Belief

  • Narita-san ("New victory temple"), a Shingon Buddhist temple, is founded in Chiba (Japan).source

Culture & Society

  • Saadia Gaon, a Jewish rabbi and philosopher, compiles his Siddur (Jewish prayer book) in Arabic and synagogal poetry in modern-day Iraq (approximate date).source

Births

  • June 10 – Abu al-Wafa' Buzjani, Persian mathematician and astronomer (died 998)source
  • Chavundaraya, Indian general, architect and poet (died 989)source
  • Ferdowsi, Persian poet and author (approximate date)source
  • Henry III ("the Younger"), duke of Bavaria (approximate date)source
  • Sulayman al-Ghazzi, Arab poet and bishop of Gaza (approximate date)source
  • Adelaide-Blanche of Anjou, French queen and regent (died 1026)source
  • Subh of Córdoba, mother and regent of Hisham II (approximate date)source
  • Géza, Grand Prince of the Hungarians (approximate date)source
  • Al-Baqillani, Muslim theologian and jurist (approximate date)source
  • Notker of Liège, French bishop and prince-bishop (died 1008)source
  • Abū Sahl al-Qūhī, Persian mathematician and physicist (approximate date)source
  • Leopold I, margrave of Austria (approximate date)source
  • Willigis, German archchancellor and archbishop (approximate date)source
  • Eadwig ("the All-Fair"), king of England (approximate date)source

Deaths