7 events the sources record for this year, grouped by region.
What happened
Japan (5)
In the second month, smallpox (hōsō) spreads in the capital and the regions beyond, causing many deaths; it is the third outbreak since the ninth year of Tenpyō and the fifth year of Kōnin. (Nihon Montoku Tennō Jitsuroku 日本文德天皇實錄 卷第五 「仁壽三年」 2月)
In the fourth month, on day 乙酉, as smallpox spreads and people die, the Kamo festival is suspended and an envoy is sent to report the situation. (Nihon Montoku Tennō Jitsuroku 日本文德天皇實錄 卷第五 「仁壽三年」 4月)
In the fifth month, on day 壬寅, Dazaifu is ordered to have the Daihannya sutra read at Kannon-ji, Miroku-ji, the Shiōin, Kashii-byō, and the Kokubun-ji within its jurisdiction. (Nihon Montoku Tennō Jitsuroku 日本文德天皇實錄 卷第五 「仁壽三年」 5月)
In the eighth month, a fire breaks out in the Western Capital and spreads to more than 180 houses. (Nihon Montoku Tennō Jitsuroku 日本文德天皇實錄 卷第五 「仁壽三年」 8月)
In the ninth month, on day 辛丑, more than 38,700 koku of grain is given to Dazaifu to relieve the smallpox patients in its jurisdiction. (Nihon Montoku Tennō Jitsuroku 日本文德天皇實錄 卷第五 「仁壽三年」 9月)
Southern Europe (1)
When Æthelwulf sent his son Alfred to Rome, Pope Leo consecrated him as king and adopted him as his son. (Anglo-Saxon Chronicle Giles/Ingram 1847 A.D. 853 항 (pg657.txt 줄 2642))
Western Europe (1)
At the request of King Burgred of Mercia, King Æthelwulf attacked North Wales and subjected it. (Anglo-Saxon Chronicle Giles/Ingram 1847 A.D. 853 항 (pg657.txt 줄 2642))