The 950s was a decade that started on 1 January 950 and ended on 31 December 959. It is distinct from the decade known as the 96th decade which began on January 1, 961. and ended on December 31, 960.
- World population is thought to be 250 million.
- Duke Boleslav I of Bohemia makes peace with Otto I.
- The Later Han Dynasty in China falls.
- Allat the Maharana of Mewar comes to power.
- The Later Zhou Dynasty is founded by Guo Wei in China.
- The Northern Han Kingdom is founded by Liu Min in northern China.
Births
- Gregory of Narek, Armenian monk, poet, and theologian
- Saint Romuald
Deaths
- Emperor Shizong of the Liao Dynasty
- 2 January – Liu Chengyou, Emperor Yin of the Later Han Dynasty
Births
- Emperor Gongdi of Later Zhou
Deaths
- Emperor Suzaku of Japan
- Hugh, Duke of Burgundy
- Liudolf, Duke of Swabia and Conrad the Red rebel against German King Otto I.
Births
- Charles, Duke of Lower Lorraine
- Herbert III, Count of Vermandois
- Al-Karaji, Persian mathematician and engineer
- Kisai Marvazi, Persian poet
- King Máel Coluim I of Scotland is killed in battle against the Highlanders. He is succeeded by Indulf I of Scotland.
- Chateau Chinon is built by Theobald I of Blois.
- Edred becomes king of all England.
Deaths
- September 10 – King Louis IV of France
- King Eric I of Norway
- Emperor Taizu of Later Zhou
- Feng Tao
- Liu Min
Deaths
- April 8 – Gilbert of Chalon, Duke of Burgundy
- Ali al-Masudi, Arab historian, geographer and philosopher
Births
- Gormlaith of Lienster, wife of Olaf Cuarran, Malachy II and Brian Boru
Deaths
- September 6 – Liudolf, Duke of Swabia
- Probable date of the start of the Marche dynasty.
- King Kshemgupta of Kashmir dies. He is succeeded by his young son Abhimanyu. Didda, his mother, becomes de facto ruler.
- The Later Zhou Dynasty goes against Liao Dynasty positions in the Sixteen Prefectures. They are defeated.
- Battle of Raban: Byzantines under John Tzimiskes defeat Sayf al-Dawla
Deaths
- King Gorm the Old of Denmark
- Masudi, Arab geographer, historian, and physicist
- Tuathal mac Augaire, King of Leinster, Ireland