Events By Place Byzantine Empire George Tsul, ruler of Khazaria, is captured by a combined Byzantine-Rus' force, which effectively ends Khazaria's existence. Europe Norman knights arrive in Sicily. Edmund II is king of England after Ethelred's death. Battle of Brentford: Edmund II gains a temporary victory over Canute the Great. Canute of Denmark and Edmund II divide England. October 18 — Battle of Ashingdon: The Danes under Canute the Great defeat the English under Edmund Ironsid… (More on 1016)