Henry the Fowler vs Taejo of Joseon

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.

General Yi Seong-gye defeated a Japanese pirate (wokou) force at Hwangsan. This victory enhanced his military reputation and demonstrated his capability as a commander.

General Yi Seong-gye, ordered to invade the Ming dynasty's Liaodong region, turned his army back at Wihwado Island. This act of defiance against the Goryeo court led to a coup that eventually brought him to power.

Taejo implemented the Gwajeon Law, a land reform that redistributed land from the old Goryeo aristocracy to his supporters and the state. This weakened the old elite and strengthened the new Joseon ruling class.

Yi Seong-gye deposed the last Goryeo king and founded the Joseon dynasty, with its capital at Hanyang (modern Seoul). He established a new ruling class based on Confucian ideology, replacing the Buddhist-influenced Goryeo system.

Taejo of Joseon ordered the compilation of the Gyeongguk Daejeon, a comprehensive legal code that established the administrative and social structure of the Joseon dynasty. This code remained in effect for centuries.