AD 808

By place

Europe

• King Godfred of the Danes forms an alliance with the Wiltzi and other Wendic tribes, against the pagan but pro-Frankish Abodrites. Godfred builds earthworks across the isthmus of Schleswig-Holstein, separating Jutland from the northern extent of the Frankish Empire.
• Viking Age: First Viking raid, by Danes against the Baltic coast. Godfred destroys the Slav settlement of Reric, used as a strategic trade route. The population is displaced or abducted, to Hedeby.
• Emperor Charlemagne gives orders to construct two new forts on the Elbe River, garrisoning them against future Slav incursions.
• In Gharb al-Andalus, Hazim ibn Wahb leads a rebellion against the Emirate of Córdoba.

  Britain

• Exiled king Eardwulf of Northumbria is able to return to his kingdom, with the support of Charlemagne and Pope Leo III. He ousts the usurper, King Ælfwald II.
• Cadell ap Brochfael, king of Powys, dies after a 35-year reign, and is succeeded by his son Cyngen ap Cadell.

  By topic

Finance

• Jewish merchants in Lombardy open the first bank in Italy.