Nicephorus Phocas, Emperor of the East, murdered by John Zimisces, who succeeds.
971. All munitions of war and arms are by the Venetians forbidden to be sold by their merchants to the Saracens.
973. On the death of his father, Otho the Great, Otho II ascends the throne of the German empire. His Empress, Theophania, introduces Greek customs and manners into Germany.
976. Henry, Duke of Bavaria, defeated by Otho II and deposed, takes refuge in Bohemia.
Death of Al Hakem; his reign the most glorious of the Saracenic dominion in Spain.
Commotion in Venice; the Doge attempts to introduce mercenary troops and is slain; his palace, St. Mark's, and other churches burned.
978. Otho II makes a victorious movement into France.
979. King Edward the Martyr assassinated by command of his mother-in-law, Elfrida; Ethelred the Unready succeeds. (Date uncertain.)
980. Theophania urges her husband, Otho II, to claim the Greek provinces in Italy; he advances with his army to Ravenna.
Vladimir obtains the assistance of the sea-kings, defeats his brother, Jaropolk, puts him to death, and becomes sole ruler of Russia.