Christianization of Bulgaria
Prince Boris accepts Christianity from Constantinople
Around 864 the Bulgar ruler Boris I was baptised by Byzantine clergy, taking the name Michael. He crushed a revolt of pagan nobles, won autonomy for the Bulgarian church and sheltered the disciples of Cyril and Methodius, making Bulgaria the centre of Slavonic letters.
Wikipedia (Russian) · Wikipedia (English) · 9th century
Meanwhile around the world (±25 years)
Eastern Europe & Russia
- c. 862 Calling of the Varangians — 2 years earlier
- 882 Oleg takes Kiev — 18 years later
Africa
- 859 Fatima al-Fihri founds al-Qarawiyyin — 5 years earlier
Asia
- c. 850 Prambanan — 14 years earlier
- 868 The Diamond Sutra is printed — 4 years later
Alive at the time
- Charles the Bald (aged 41)
- Rurik (aged 34)
- Oleg the Wise (aged 19)
- Alfred the Great (aged 15)
- Al-Kindi (aged 63)