996

Europe

 * March/April — dies before being able to crown,  as . Otto resides in  while waiting for the election of the next.
 * — Sixteen year old is crowned  by his cousin.
 * —, dies and is succeeded by his son.
 * — Emperor issues a deed to, which is the oldest known document using the name  ( in ).

Asia

 * , fifth  in  dies and is succeeded by his son.
 * constructed in

Religion

 * — succeeds  as the 138th .  He was twenty-four year old Bruno of, grandson of  and first cousin of Otto III. He is the first  Pope.

Births

 * , count of Valois and the Vexin

Deaths

 * March/April —
 * —, (b. )
 * , fifth  in
 * , Chinese scholar and encyclopedist (born )
 * , Chinese scholar and encyclopedist (born )