878 - Definition and Overview

Events

• The Danes force king Alfred the Great of Wessex to retreat to a fort in Athelney, Somerset. Later, in the Battle of Ethandun (Edington), King Alfred the Great of Wessex defeats the Danes of the Danelaw under Guthrum. The Treaty of Wedmore divides England between the Anglo-Saxons and the Danes.
• Rhodri, the first King of Wales to be known as "the Great", is killed in battle.
• After a siege, the Aghlabids of Ifriqiya conquer Syracuse, starting 2 centuries of Muslim rule.
• End of the excommunication of the later pope Formosus.
• First mentioning of Belgrade.

Deaths

• Aedh MacRunn, King of the Scots and Picts; succeeded jointly by Eochu MacRunn and Girig MacDungal.