996 facts for kids

In the year 996, several important events happened across Europe and beyond. This year saw changes in leadership for powerful empires and kingdoms. It also marked the first time the name for what we now call Austria was written down.

Key Events of 996

• March or April: Pope John XV passed away. He was supposed to crown Otto III, the King of Germany, as the new Holy Roman Emperor. Otto III was waiting in a city called Pavia for a new Pope to be chosen.
• May 3: A 24-year-old man named Bruno of Carinthia was chosen as the new Pope. He was a grandson of Otto I, a famous Holy Roman Emperor, and a cousin of Otto III. Bruno became Pope Gregory V, and he was the first Pope ever to come from Germany.
• May 21: Just 16 years old, Otto III was crowned Holy Roman Emperor by his cousin, Pope Gregory V. This was a very important moment for the young emperor.
• October 24: Hugh Capet, who was the King of France, died. His son, Robert II of France, took his place as the new king.
• In Egypt, Abu Mansoor Nizar al-Aziz Billah, who was the fifth leader of the Fatimid Caliphate, also passed away. His son, Al-Hakim bi-Amr Allah, became the new Caliph.
• November 1: Emperor Otto III signed an important document for Gottschalk, Bishop of Freising. This document is the oldest known paper that uses the name Ostarrîchi. This old name is what we now call Austria.
• The Niujie Mosque was built in the city of Beijing. This is a famous mosque that still stands today.

Images for kids

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  Otto III is crowned Holy Roman Emperor.

See also

In Spanish: 996 para niños