The 970s decade ran from January 1, 970, to December 31, 979.
Significant people
- Mar Abdisho I, Patriarch of the Assyrian Church of the East, held position 963–986
- Eric the Red (950–1003), Norse Explorer
- Richard I of Normandy (933–996), Duke of Normandy, r. 942–996
- Mieszko I of Poland (945?–992), Duke of Poland, r. c.960–992
- Vladimir of Kiev (958-1015), Kievan Prince and future Grand Prince of Kievan Rus
- Hisham II caliph of Córdoba
- Al-Aziz Billah Fatimid caliph of Cairo
- Al-Muti caliph of Baghdad
- At-Ta'i caliph of Baghdad