Henry the Fowler vs King Taejo of Goryeo

Henry the Fowler was elected King of East Francia by the Saxon and Frankish nobles at Fritzlar on May 6, 919. He was the first Saxon king, marking the transition from Carolingian to Ottonian rule. His election was contested by other dukes but he prevailed.

Henry the Fowler signed the Treaty of Bonn with Charles the Simple of West Francia, recognizing each other's royal titles and establishing peaceful relations. This treaty ended Carolingian claims over East Francia and solidified Henry's legitimacy as an independent king.

Henry the Fowler negotiated a nine-year truce with the Magyars, agreeing to pay tribute in exchange for a halt to their raids. He used this period to fortify towns, reorganize the army, and train cavalry. This strategic pause was crucial for his later military reforms.

Henry the Fowler's forces defeated a Slavic army at the Battle of Lenzen, securing the eastern frontier of East Francia. This victory allowed Henry to consolidate control over the Elbe region and establish the March of Brandenburg, a key step in German eastward expansion.

After the truce with the Magyars expired, Henry the Fowler led a German army to victory at the Battle of Riade (near Merseburg). The defeat of the Magyar cavalry ended their raids into East Francia for a generation and established Henry's reputation as a defender of Christendom.

Henry the Fowler died on July 2, 936, at Memleben. He was succeeded by his son, Otto I, who would become Holy Roman Emperor. Henry's reign laid the foundations for the Ottonian dynasty and the medieval German kingdom.

Wang Geon (Taejo) overthrew the Later Goguryeo state and established the Goryeo dynasty, with its capital at Songak (Kaesong). This marked the beginning of a new era in Korean history.

Taejo married women from powerful local clans to secure their loyalty and integrate regional powers into the Goryeo state. This policy helped stabilize the new dynasty.

Taejo completed the unification of the Later Three Kingdoms (Later Goguryeo, Later Baekje, and Silla) under Goryeo rule. This ended the period of division and established a unified Korean state.

Taejo issued the Ten Injunctions, a set of political guidelines for his successors. These stressed the importance of Buddhism, diplomacy with China, and avoiding internal conflict.