Sweyn Forkbeard's Conquest of Norway
Year: 1000
Category: Warfare & Military
Sweyn Forkbeard conquers Norway.
Tags: Vikings, Scandinavian History, Conquest, Military Campaign, Middle Ages, Succession
Mahmud of Ghazni's Raids into Northern India Commence
Year: 1001
Category: Warfare & Military
Mahmud of Ghazni, Muslim leader of Ghazni, begins a series of raids into Northern India; he finishes in 1027 with the destruction of Somnath.
Tags: Islamic History, Ghaznavids, Medieval India, Military Campaign, Raids, Conquest, Religious Conflict
Robert II of France's Invasion and Annexation of Burgundy
Year: 1003
Category: Politics
Robert II of France invades the Duchy of Burgundy, then ruled by Otto-William, Duke of Burgundy; the initial invasion is unsuccessful, but Robert II eventually gains the acceptance of the Roman Catholic Church in 1016 and annexes Burgundy into his realm.
Tags: French Monarchy, Feudalism, Territorial Expansion, Royal Power, Church and State, Burgundy
Dar Al-Hekma Library and University Founded
Year: 1004
Category: Society & Culture
The library and university Dar Al-Hekma is founded in Egypt under the Fatimids.
Tags: Education, Libraries, Universities, Islam, Scholarship, Knowledge, Middle Ages
Fatimid Envoy Reopens Diplomatic Ties with Song Dynasty China
Year: 1008
Category: Politics
The Fatimid Egyptian sea captain Domiyat travels to the Buddhist pilgrimage site in Shandong, China, to seek out the Chinese Emperor Zhenzong of Song with gifts from his ruling Imam Al-Hakim bi-Amr Allah, successfully reopening diplomatic relations between Egypt and China that had been lost since the collapse of the Tang dynasty.
Tags: Diplomacy, Trade, Middle Ages, Fatimid Caliphate, Song Dynasty, Embassies, International Relations, Al-Hakim bi-Amr Allah
Leningrad Codex Completed
Year: 1008
Category: Religion
– The Leningrad Codex, one of the oldest full manuscripts of the Hebrew Bible, is completed.
Tags: Middle Ages, Hebrew Bible, Manuscript, Jewish History, Religious Texts, Rabbinic Judaism
Melus of Bari's Insurrection Against Byzantine Rule in Italy
Year: 1009
Category: Warfare & Military
1010: The Lombard known as Melus of Bari leads an insurrection against the Byzantine Catepan of Italy, John Curcuas, as the latter was killed in battle and replaced by Basil Mesardonites, who brought Byzantine reinforcements.
Tags: Byzantine Empire, Rebellion, Military History, Lombards, Regional Conflict, Warfare
Sweyn Forkbeard's Conquest of England
Year: 1013
Category: Warfare & Military
Danish king Sweyn Forkbeard conquers England.
Tags: Vikings, Anglo-Saxon, Conquest, Military History
Byzantine Victory at the Battle of Kleidion
Year: 1014
Category: Warfare & Military
The Byzantine armies of Basil II are victorious over Samuil of Bulgaria in the Battle of Kleidion.
Tags: Byzantine Empire, Medieval Warfare, Military History, Imperialism, Siege, Empire Building
Battle of Clontarf: Brian Boru's Victory and Death
Year: 1014
Category: Warfare & Military
The Gaelic forces of Munster and most other Irish kingdoms under High King Brian Boru defeat a combined Leinster-Viking force in the Battle of Clontarf but Brian Boru is killed at the end of the battle.
Tags: Vikings, Battle, Irish History, Military Conflict
Avicenna Begins Writing 'The Book of Healing'
Year: 1014
Category: Philosophy & Ideas
1020: The Book of Healing, a vast philosophical and scientific encyclopaedia, is written by Avicenna, Persian scholar.
Tags: Islamic Golden Age, Philosophy, Encyclopedias, Avicenna, Medicine, Middle Ages
Olav Haraldsson's Victory at the Battle of Nesjar
Year: 1015
Category: Warfare & Military
In the Battle of Nesjar in Oslofjord, Norway, the forces of Olav Haraldsson fought the forces of Sveinn Hákonarson, with a victory for Olav.
Tags: Vikings, Medieval Warfare, Battle, Kings and Rulers, Naval Battle
Byzantine Conquest of the First Bulgarian Empire
Year: 1018
Category: Warfare & Military
The First Bulgarian Empire is conquered by the Byzantine Empire
Tags: Byzantine Empire, Medieval Warfare, Imperial Expansion, Conquest, Byzantine-Bulgarian Wars, Empire
Byzantine Victory at Battle of Cannae Against Lombards
Year: 1018
Category: Warfare & Military
The Byzantine armies of Basil Boioannes are victorious at the Battle of Cannae against the Lombards under Melus of Bari.
Tags: Byzantine Empire, Lombards, Battle, Southern Italy, Military History, Medieval Warfare
Bamberg Apocalypse Manuscript Completed
Year: 1020
Category: Art
– The Bamberg Apocalypse commissioned by Otto III is completed.
Tags: Religious Art, Christianity, Visual Arts
Disappearance of Al-Hakim and Persecution of the Druze
Year: 1021
Category: Religion
the ruling Fatimid Caliph Al-Hakim bi-Amr Allah disappears suddenly, possibly assassinated by his own sister Sitt al-Mulk, which leads to the open persecution of the Druze by Ismaili Shia; the Druze proclaim that Al-Hakim went into hiding (ghayba), whereupon he would return as the Mahdi savior.
Tags: Islam, Shia Islam, Fatimid Caliphate, Religious Violence, Al-Hakim bi-Amr Allah, Political Intrigue, Middle Ages
Hungarian Victory over Holy Roman Empire: Land Cessions
Year: 1030
Category: Warfare & Military
Stephen I of the Kingdom of Hungary defeats Conrad II of the Holy Roman Empire; after the war, Conrad had ceded the lands between the rivers Leitha and Fischa to Hungary in the summer of 1031.
Tags: Holy Roman Empire, Warfare, Territorial Disputes
Battle of Stiklestad: Olav Haraldsson's Defeat and Martyrdom
Year: 1030
Category: Religion
the Battle of Stiklestad (Norway): Olav Haraldsson loses to his pagan vassals and is killed in the battle. He is later canonized and becomes the patron saint of Norway and Rex perpetuum Norvegiae ('the eternal king of Norway').
Tags: Vikings, Christianization, Saints, Monarchy, Battle, Religious Conflict
Canute's Empire Dissolves: Succession and Fragmentation
Year: 1035
Category: Politics
Canute the Great dies, and his kingdom of present-day Norway, England, and Denmark was split amongst three rivals to his throne.
Tags: Anglo-Saxon England, Viking Age, Succession, Monarchy, Political Fragmentation, Scandinavian History, Territorial Disputes
William Iron Arm Arrives in Southern Italy
Year: 1035
Category: Warfare & Military
William Iron Arm ventures to the Mezzogiorno
Tags: Normans, Southern Italy, Middle Ages, Conquest, Military History, Byzantine Empire, Lombards, Feudalism
Ferdinand I of León's Conquest of Galicia
Year: 1037
Category: Warfare & Military
Ferdinand I of León conquers the Kingdom of Galicia.
Tags: Middle Ages, Reconquista, Kingdom of León, Conquest, Territorial Expansion
Duncan I of Scotland Slain; Macbeth Ascends Throne
Year: 1040
Category: Warfare & Military
Duncan I of Scotland slain in battle. Macbeth succeeds him.
Tags: Wars and Conflicts, Succession, Battle
Samuel Aba Ascends to the Hungarian Throne
Year: 1041
Category: Politics
Samuel Aba became King of Hungary.
Tags: Monarchy, Succession
Normans Make Melfi Capital of Southern Italy
Year: 1042
Category: Politics
the Normans establish Melfi as the capital of southern Italy.
Tags: Normans, Southern Italy, Kingdom of Sicily, Norman Conquest, Medieval Italy, Political Development, Capital City
George Maniaces' Rebellion Against Byzantine Emperor Constantine IX
Year: 1043
Category: Warfare & Military
the Byzantine General George Maniaces, who had served in Sicily back in 1038, is proclaimed emperor by his troops while he is catepan of Italy; he leads an unsuccessful rebellion against Constantine IX Monomachos and is killed in battle in Macedonia during his march towards Constantinople.
Tags: Byzantine Empire, Rebellion, Civil War, Military History
Holy Roman Empire Victory at Ménfő; Hungarian Throne Restored
Year: 1044
Category: Warfare & Military
Henry III of the Holy Roman Empire defeats the Kingdom of Hungary in the Battle of Ménfő; Peter Urseolo captured Samuel Aba after the battle, executing him, and restoring his claim to the throne; the Kingdom of Hungary then briefly becomes a vassal to the Holy Roman Empire.
Tags: Holy Roman Empire, Battle, Military Conflict, Succession, Vassal State
Zirid Dynasty Renounces Fatimid Caliphate
Year: 1045
Category: Politics
The Zirids, a Berber dynasty of North Africa, break their allegiance with the Fatimid court of Egypt and recognize the Abbasids of Baghdad as the true caliphs.
Tags: Berber, Dynasty, Caliphate, Islam, Religious Authority
Normans Defeat Papal and Lombard Forces at Civitate, Capture Pope Leo IX
Year: 1053
Category: Warfare & Military
the Norman commander Humphrey of Hauteville is victorious in the Battle of Civitate against the Lombards and the papal coalition led by Rudolf of Benevento; Pope Leo IX himself is captured by the Normans.
Tags: Normans, Battle, Medieval Warfare, Catholicism, Lombards, Southern Italy, Holy Roman Empire, Conquest
East-West Church Schism
Year: 1054
Category: Religion
the Great Schism, in which the Western (Roman Catholic) and Eastern Orthodox churches separated from each other. Similar schisms in the past had been later repaired, but this one continues after nearly 1000 years.
Tags: Christianity, Eastern Orthodox Church, Roman Catholic Church, Schism, Religious History, Byzantine Empire, Catholicism, Church History, Theology
Battle of Atapuerca
Year: 1054
Category: Warfare & Military
the Battle of Atapuerca is fought between García V of Navarre and Ferdinand I of León.
Tags: Medieval Warfare, Reconquista, Kingdom of León, Battle, Military Conflict
Russkaya Pravda: Compilation of Early East Slavic Law
Year: 1054
Category: Society & Culture
– Russian legal code of the Russkaya Pravda is created during the reign of Yaroslav I the Wise.
Tags: Law, Legal Code, Middle Ages, Kievan Rus', Justice, Social History
Seljuk Capture of Baghdad
Year: 1055
Category: Warfare & Military
the Seljuk Turks capture Baghdad, taking the Buyid Emir Al-Malik al-Rahim prisoner.
Tags: Seljuk Empire, Conquest, Political Upheaval, Middle Ages
Ferdinand I Crowned Emperor of All Hispania
Year: 1056
Category: Politics
Ferdinand I of León, King of Castile and King of León, is crowned Imperator totius Hispaniae (Emperor of All Hispania).
Tags: Kingdom of León, Kingdom of Castile, Monarchy, Emperor, Political Consolidation
Birth of William II of England
Year: 1056
Category: Politics
William II of England the son of William the Conqueror, was born.
Tags: Medieval England, Monarchy, William the Conqueror, Succession
King Macbeth of Scotland Killed in Battle
Year: 1057
Category: Warfare & Military
Macbeth, king of Scotland, dies in battle against the future king Malcolm III.
Tags: Battle, Monarchy, Warfare, British Isles
Banu Hilal Invasion and Destruction of Kairouan
Year: 1057
Category: Warfare & Military
Invasion of the Banu Hilal, Kairouan destroyed, Zirids reduced to a tiny coastal strip, remainder fragments into petty Bedouin emirates.
Tags: Invasion, Military Conflict, Political Fragmentation
Norman Conquest of Sicily Begins
Year: 1061
Category: Warfare & Military
1091: Norman conquest of Sicily in the Mediterranean Sea
Tags: Norman Conquest, Medieval Warfare, Kingdom of Sicily, Byzantine Empire, Military Campaign, Expansionism, Medieval Italy
Great German Pilgrimage to Jerusalem Led by Gunther of Bamberg
Year: 1064
Category: Religion
1065: The Great German Pilgrimage, consisting of around unarmed 7,000 pilgrims, travels to Jerusalem under the leadership of Gunther of Bamberg.
Tags: Pilgrimage, Religion, Christianity, Holy Land, Middle Ages
Seljuk Turkish Invasion of Georgia
Year: 1065
Category: Warfare & Military
Seljuks first invasion to Georgia under leadership of Alp Arslan
Tags: Seljuk Empire, Medieval Warfare, Invasion, Military History, Expansionism
Kingdom of Galicia and Portugal Declares Independence
Year: 1065
Category: Politics
Independence of the Kingdom of Galicia and Portugal under the rule of Garcia
Tags: Middle Ages, Monarchy, Political Independence, Dynastic Rule, Feudalism
Battle of Stamford Bridge
Year: 1066
Category: Warfare & Military
in the Battle of Stamford Bridge, the last Anglo-Saxon King Harold Godwinson defeated his brother Tostig Godwinson and Harold III of Norway.
Tags: Medieval England, Anglo-Saxons, Vikings, Norman Conquest, Warfare, Battle, Military History
Norman Conquest of England
Year: 1066
Category: Warfare & Military
Edward the Confessor dies; Harold Godwinson is killed in the Battle of Hastings, while the Norman William the Conqueror is crowned king of England. This is what most experts think of as the end of the Viking age.
Tags: Norman Conquest, Middle Ages, Feudalism, William the Conqueror, Viking Age, Military History
Seljuk Turk Invasion of Georgia (Second Invasion)
Year: 1068
Category: Warfare & Military
Seljuks destroyed Georgia for the second time
Tags: Seljuk Empire, Medieval Warfare, Invasion, Military Conflict, Turkic Peoples, Byzantine Empire
Byzantine Defeat at Manzikert
Year: 1071
Category: Warfare & Military
Defeat of the Byzantine Empire at the Battle of Manzikert by the Seljuk army of Alp Arslan, ending three centuries of a Byzantine military and economic Golden Age.
Tags: Byzantine Empire, Seljuk Empire, Battle, Military Defeat, Medieval Warfare, Expansionism, Political Instability, Crusades
Battle of Golpejera: Brothers Clash for Castilian Throne
Year: 1072
Category: Warfare & Military
the Battle of Golpejera is fought between Sancho II of Castile and Alfonso VI of Castile
Tags: Medieval Warfare, Castile, Succession, Dynastic Conflict, Reconquista
Seljuk Capture of Ankara
Year: 1073
Category: Warfare & Military
the Seljuk Turks capture Ankara from the Byzantines.
Tags: Seljuk Empire, Byzantine Empire, Military Conflict, Territorial Expansion, Medieval Warfare, Turkic Peoples
Seljuk Conquest of Jerusalem and Pilgrim Restrictions
Year: 1074
Category: Warfare & Military
the Seljuk Turks capture Jerusalem from the Fatimids, and cut pilgrim transit.
Tags: Seljuk Empire, Crusades, Islam, Conquest, Religious Conflict, Pilgrimage, Middle Ages, Holy Land
Henry IV Defeats Saxons at Langensalza
Year: 1075
Category: Warfare & Military
Henry IV suppresses the rebellion of Saxony in the First Battle of Langensalza.
Tags: Middle Ages, Holy Roman Empire, Henry IV, Saxony, Rebellion, Battle, Military History, German History, Feudalism, Conflict
Pope Gregory VII's Assertion of Papal Authority
Year: 1075
Category: Religion
the Investiture Controversy is sparked when Pope Gregory VII asserted in the Dictatus papae extended rights granted to the pope (disturbing the balance of power) and a new interpretation of God's role in founding the Church itself.
Tags: Catholicism, Investiture Controversy, Middle Ages, Church and State, Holy Roman Empire, Religious Authority, Theology
Henry IV's Penance at Canossa
Year: 1077
Category: Religion
the Walk to Canossa by Henry IV of the Holy Roman Empire.
Tags: Holy Roman Empire, Investiture Controversy, Catholicism, Henry IV, Excommunication, Middle Ages, Political Power, Religious Authority
Oleg of Chernigov Defeated and Exiled
Year: 1078
Category: Warfare & Military
Oleg I of Chernigov is defeated in battle by his brother Vsevolod I of Kiev; Oleg escapes to Tmutarakan, but is imprisoned by the Khazars, sent to Constantinople as a prisoner, and then exiled to Rhodes.
Tags: Civil War, Succession, Exile, Byzantine Empire, Medieval Warfare
Nikephoros III's Rebellion Against Michael VII
Year: 1078
Category: Warfare & Military
the revolt of Nikephoros III against Byzantine ruler Michael VII
Tags: Byzantine Empire, Civil War, Military History, Rebellion, Emperor, Political Instability
Anselm of Canterbury Writes the Proslogion
Year: 1078
Category: Philosophy & Ideas
– The Proslogion is written by Anselm of Canterbury.
Tags: Philosophy, Medieval Philosophy, Theology, Christianity, Scholasticism, Religious Thought, Intellectual History
Frankish Settlement Along the Way of Saint James
Year: 1079
Category: Society & Culture
Franks start to settle around the Way of Saint James (Today, modern North Spain)
Tags: Pilgrimage, Middle Ages, Christianity, Cultural Exchange, Settlement
Birth of Urraca of León and Castile
Year: 1081
Category: Politics
birth of Urraca of León and Castile future Queen of Castille and León.
Tags: Monarchy, Medieval Spain, Castile, Succession, Christian Kingdoms
Alfonso VI Captures Toledo
Year: 1085
Category: Warfare & Military
Alfonso VI of Castile captures the Moorish Muslim city of Toledo, Spain.
Tags: Reconquista, Medieval Spain, Christianity, Islam, Conquest, Castile, Monarchy
Founding of Katedralskolan, Lund
Year: 1085
Category: Society & Culture
the Katedralskolan, Lund school of Sweden is established by Canute IV of Denmark
Tags: Education, Middle Ages, Christianity, Denmark
Compilation of the Domesday Book
Year: 1086
Category: Politics
compilation of the Domesday Book by order of William I of England; it was similar to a modern-day government census, as it was used by William to thoroughly document all the landholdings within the kingdom that could be properly taxed.
Tags: Medieval England, William the Conqueror, Taxation, Census, Feudalism, Land Ownership, Governance, Norman Conquest, Administration
Almoravid Victory over Castile at az-Zallaqah
Year: 1086
Category: Warfare & Military
the Battle of az-Zallaqah between the Almoravids and Castilians
Tags: Medieval Warfare, Reconquista, Almoravids, Castile, Battle, Military History, Religious Conflict, Muslims
William the Conqueror Orders the Domesday Book
Year: 1086
Category: Economy & Trade
– The Domesday Book is initiated by William I of England.
Tags: Middle Ages, Norman Conquest, Taxation, Feudalism, William the Conqueror, Census, Land Ownership, Economic History
Genoese and Pisan Attack on Mahdia
Year: 1087
Category: Warfare & Military
the Italian cities of Genoa and Pisa engage in the African Mahdia campaign
Tags: Medieval Warfare, Crusades, Maghreb, Military Expedition
William II Crowned King of England
Year: 1087
Category: Politics
William II of England, son of William the Conqueror, is crowned king of England.
Tags: Monarchy, Medieval England, Norman Conquest, Succession, King, Feudalism, Governance
Founding of the University of Bologna
Year: 1088
Category: Society & Culture
The University of Bologna is established.
Tags: Universities, Education, Intellectual History, Society
Failed Rebellion Against William II
Year: 1088
Category: Warfare & Military
Rebellion of 1088 against William II of England led by Odo of Bayeux.
Tags: Medieval England, Norman Conquest, Rebellion, Civil War, Feudalism, Military Conflict
Normans Conquer Malta
Year: 1091
Category: Warfare & Military
Normans from the Duchy of Normandy take control of Malta and surrounding islands.
Tags: Norman Conquest, Military History, Middle Ages, Kingdom of Sicily, Conquest, Feudalism
Byzantine Victory Over Pechenegs at Levounion
Year: 1091
Category: Warfare & Military
the Byzantine Empire under Alexios I Komnenos and his Cuman allies defeat Pechenegs at the Battle of Levounion
Tags: Byzantine Empire, Battle, Military History, Medieval Warfare
Kypchak Victory over Kievan Rus at the Stugna River
Year: 1093
Category: Warfare & Military
the Kypchaks defeat princes of Kievan Rus at the Battle of the Stugna River
Tags: Kievan Rus, Battle, Military History, Medieval Warfare, Nomadic Peoples
King Malcolm III of Scotland Killed at the Battle of Alnwick
Year: 1093
Category: Warfare & Military
Battle of Alnwick: Malcolm III of Scotland is killed by the forces of William II of England.
Tags: Battle, Medieval Warfare, Kingdom of England, Military History
El Cid Captures Valencia
Year: 1094
Category: Warfare & Military
El Cid, the great Spanish hero, conquers the Muslim city of Valencia
Tags: Medieval Spain, Reconquista, Conquest, Siege Warfare, El Cid
Nizari Split from Ismaili Shia After Fatimid Succession Crisis
Year: 1094
Category: Religion
a succession crisis following the reign of the Fatimid Caliph Ma'ad al-Mustansir Billah sparks a rebellion which leads to the split of Ismaili Shia into the new Nizari religious branch.
Tags: Islam, Shia Islam, Fatimid Caliphate, Succession, Religious Schism, Religious History, Middle Ages
Pope Urban II Preaches the First Crusade
Year: 1095
Category: Religion
Pope Urban II calls upon Western Europeans to take up the cross and reclaim the Holy Lands, officially commencing the First Crusade.
Tags: Crusades, Religious Warfare, Catholicism, Holy Land, Middle Ages, Pilgrimage, Islam, Christianity, Medieval Europe
First Lectures Held at the University of Oxford
Year: 1096
Category: Society & Culture
University of Oxford in England holds its first lectures
Tags: Middle Ages, Universities, Higher Education, Society, Scholasticism, Intellectual History
First Crusade: Siege of Nicaea
Year: 1097
Category: Warfare & Military
the Siege of Nicaea during the First Crusade
Tags: Crusades, Byzantine Empire, Seljuk Turks, Holy Land, Military History, Medieval Warfare, Siege, Religious Conflict
Death of Diego Rodríguez in the Battle of Consuegra
Year: 1097
Category: Warfare & Military
Diego Rodriguez, a son of El Cid, dies in the Battle of Consuegra, an Almoravid victory
Tags: Medieval Spain, Reconquista, Almoravids, El Cid, Battle, Military History, Death, Warfare
First Crusade: Siege of Antioch
Year: 1098
Category: Warfare & Military
the Siege of Antioch during the First Crusade
Tags: Crusades, Medieval Warfare, Siege Warfare, Holy Land, Byzantine Empire, Muslims, Religious Conflict
Pope Urban II Visits the Siege of Capua
Year: 1098
Category: Religion
Pope Urban II makes an appearance at the Siege of Capua
Tags: Catholicism, Middle Ages, Siege, Military History, Religious Authority, Campania
Birth of Hildegard of Bingen
Year: 1098
Category: Religion
the birth of Hildegard of Bingen, Doctor of the Church, abbess, monastic leader, mystic, prophetess, medical, German composer and writer, polymath.
Tags: Middle Ages, Christianity, Catholicism, Mysticism, Music, Writing, Monasticism, Religious Figures
Crusader Siege and Capture of Jerusalem
Year: 1099
Category: Warfare & Military
the Siege of Jerusalem by European Crusaders.
Tags: Crusades, Religious Conflict, Siege Warfare, Holy Land, Kingdom of Jerusalem, European Expansion, Frankish States, Islamic World
Al-Aqsa Mosque Converted to Royal Residence
Year: 1099
Category: Religion
after the Kingdom of Jerusalem is established, the Al-Aqsa Mosque is made into the residential palace for the kings of Jerusalem.
Tags: Crusades, Kingdom of Jerusalem, Religious Conversion, Christianity, Islam, Architecture
Death of El Cid Campeador
Year: 1099
Category: Warfare & Military
death of the great Spanish hero Rodrigo Díaz "El Cid Campeador".
Tags: Middle Ages, Reconquista, Military Leadership, Medieval Warfare, Kingdom of Castile, El Cid
David IV of Georgia Ends Tribute to Seljuk Turks
Year: 1099
Category: Politics
after building considerable strength, David IV of Georgia discontinues tribute payments to the Seljuk Turks.
Tags: Political Independence, Kingdom of Georgia, Seljuk Empire, Taxation, Diplomacy
Henry I Crowned King of England
Year: 1100
Category: Politics
On August 5, Henry I is crowned King of England.
Tags: Monarchy, Medieval England, Norman Conquest, Succession
Baldwin I Crowned King of Jerusalem
Year: 1100
Category: Politics
On December 25, Baldwin of Boulogne is crowned as the first King of Jerusalem in the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem.
Tags: Crusades, Kingdom of Jerusalem, Holy Land, Monarchy, Middle Ages, Religion
Treaty of Alton: Henry I and Robert of Normandy
Year: 1101
Category: Politics
In July, the Treaty of Alton is signed between Henry I of England and his older brother Robert, Duke of Normandy in which Robert agrees to recognize Henry as king of England in exchange for a yearly stipend and other concessions. The agreement temporarily ends a crisis in the succession of the Anglo-Norman kings.
Tags: Medieval England, Succession, Treaty, Royal Authority, Feudalism
David IV of Georgia Annexes Kakheti and Hereti
Year: 1101
Category: Politics
1103: David the Builder takes over Kakheti and Hereti (now parts of Georgia).
Tags: Kingdom of Georgia, David the Builder, Middle Ages, Expansionism, Dynastic Politics, Military Campaign, Territorial Acquisition
King Coloman's Personal Union of Hungary and Croatia
Year: 1102
Category: Politics
King Coloman unites Hungary and Croatia under the Hungarian Crown.
Tags: Monarchy, Succession, Political Consolidation, Territorial Expansion
Almoravid Conquest of the Taifa of Valencia
Year: 1102
Category: Warfare & Military
Muslims conquer Señorío de Valencia.
Tags: Warfare, Conquest, Almoravids, Reconquista, Military History
King David the Builder Convenes Church Council
Year: 1103
Category: Religion
1104: A church council is convened by King David the Builder in Urbnisi to reorganize the Georgian Orthodox Church.
Tags: Orthodox Christianity, David the Builder, Middle Ages, Religious Institutions, Eastern Christianity, Kingdom of Georgia
King David the Builder Defeats Seljuk Army at Ertsukhi
Year: 1104
Category: Warfare & Military
In the Battle of Ertsukhi, King David the Builder defeats an army of Seljuks.
Tags: Medieval Warfare, Battle, Seljuk Empire, Kingdom of Georgia, David the Builder, Military History, Territorial Expansion
Norman Victory at Tinchebray
Year: 1106
Category: Warfare & Military
Battle of Tinchebray.
Tags: Medieval Warfare, Norman Conquest, Angevin Empire, Battle, Military History
Gelati Monastery Completed
Year: 1106
Category: Religion
Finished building of Gelati.
Tags: Christianity, Orthodox Christianity, Architecture, Monastery, Church, David the Builder
Sigurd I of Norway's Crusade to the Holy Land
Year: 1107
Category: Warfare & Military
1111: Sigurd I of Norway becomes the first Norwegian king to embark on a crusade to the Holy Land. He fights in Lisbon and on various Mediterranean isles and helps the King of Jerusalem to take Sidon from the Muslims.
Tags: Crusades, Medieval Warfare, Holy Land, Kingdom of Jerusalem, Military Campaign, Lisbon
Bohemond I of Antioch Submits to Byzantine Rule
Year: 1108
Category: Politics
By the Treaty of Devol, signed in September, Bohemond I of Antioch has to submit to the Byzantine Empire, becoming the vassal of Alexius I.
Tags: Byzantine Empire, Crusades, Treaty, Diplomacy, Political Agreements, Feudalism
Bertrand of Toulouse's Capture of Tripoli
Year: 1109
Category: Warfare & Military
On June 10, Bertrand of Toulouse captures the County of Tripoli (northern Lebanon/western Syria).
Tags: Crusades, Siege, Military History, Medieval Warfare
Bolesław III Wrymouth's Victory at Nakło Secures Polish Access to the Sea
Year: 1109
Category: Warfare & Military
In the Battle of Nakło, Boleslaus III Wrymouth defeats the Pomeranians and re-establishes Polish access to the sea.
Tags: Medieval Warfare, Polish History, Military Conflict, Territorial Disputes, Feudalism
Boleslaus III Defeats Henry V at the Battle of Hundsfeld
Year: 1109
Category: Warfare & Military
On August 24, in the Battle of Hundsfeld, Boleslaus III Wrymouth defeats Emperor Henry V of Germany and stops German expansion eastward.
Tags: Medieval Warfare, Battle, Polish History, German History, Military History, Territorial Disputes, Henry V
Henry V Crowned Holy Roman Emperor
Year: 1111
Category: Politics
On April 14, during Henry V's first expedition to Rome, he is crowned Holy Roman Emperor.
Tags: Holy Roman Empire, Henry V, Middle Ages, Catholicism, Emperor, Coronation, Imperialism
Georgian Army Occupies Rustavi
Year: 1115
Category: Warfare & Military
The Georgian army occupies Rustavi in the war with the Muslims.
Tags: Middle Ages, Military History, Warfare, Muslims, Byzantine Empire, Kingdom of Georgia
Byzantine Victory over Seljuk Turks at Philomelion
Year: 1116
Category: Warfare & Military
The Byzantine army defeats the Turks at Philomelion.
Tags: Byzantine Empire, Seljuk Turks, Military History, Medieval Warfare, Battle, Conflict, Territorial Disputes
Death of Doña Jimena Díaz
Year: 1116
Category: Politics
Death of doña Jimena Díaz, governor of Valencia from 1099 to 1102.
Tags: Middle Ages, Reconquista, Governors, Castile, Succession, Female Leadership
Council of Nablus Establishes First Written Laws
Year: 1120
Category: Politics
On January 16, the Council of Nablus, a council of ecclesiastic and secular lords in the crusader Kingdom of Jerusalem, establishes the first written laws for the kingdom.
Tags: Crusades, Kingdom of Jerusalem, Law, Middle Ages, Legal History, Council, Nablus
King David the Builder Victorious at the Battle of Didgori
Year: 1121
Category: Warfare & Military
On August 12, in the Battle of Didgori, the greatest military victory in Georgian history, King David the Builder with 45,000 Georgians, 15,000 Kipchak auxiliaries, 500 Alan mercenaries and 100 French Crusaders defeats a much larger Seljuk-led Muslim coalition army.
Tags: Medieval Warfare, Battle, Military History, Seljuk Empire, Crusades, David the Builder, Military Victory
Premonstratensian Order Founded
Year: 1121
Category: Religion
On December 25, St. Norbert and 29 companions make their solemn vows in Premontre, France, establishing the Premonstratensian Order.
Tags: Catholicism, Religious Orders, Monasticism, Middle Ages, Christianity, Church History
Pecheneg Defeat at the Battle of Beroia
Year: 1122
Category: Warfare & Military
The Battle of Beroia (Modern-day Stara Zagora, Bulgaria) results in the disappearance of the Pechenegs Turkish tribe as an independent force.
Tags: Medieval Warfare, Byzantine Empire, Battle, Military History, Nomadic Peoples
Concordat of Worms Ends Investiture Controversy
Year: 1122
Category: Politics
On September 23, the Concordat of Worms (Pactum Calixtinum) is drawn up between Emperor Henry V and Pope Calixtus II bringing an end to the first phase of the power struggle between the papacy and the Holy Roman Empire.
Tags: Middle Ages, Holy Roman Empire, Catholicism, Investiture Controversy, Church and State, Henry V, Treaty, Diplomacy
King David the Builder Captures Tbilisi, Establishing Capital of Georgia
Year: 1122
Category: Politics
King David the Builder captures Tbilisi and declares it the capital city of Georgia, ending 400 years of Arab rule.
Tags: Kingdom of Georgia, David the Builder, Middle Ages, Political Transition, Capital City, Conquest, Dynasty
David I Crowned King of Scots
Year: 1124
Category: Politics
In April or May, David I is crowned King of the Scots.
Tags: Monarchy, Scottish History, Middle Ages, Political History, Medieval Europe, Succession
Crusaders Defeat Seljuk Turks at Battle of Azaz
Year: 1125
Category: Warfare & Military
On June 11, in the Battle of Azaz, the Crusader states, led by King Baldwin II of Jerusalem, defeat the Seljuk Turks.
Tags: Crusades, Battle, Military History, Frankish States, Seljuk Empire, Medieval Warfare, Middle Ages
Lothair of Supplinburg Elected Holy Roman Emperor, Sparking Guelph-Ghibelline Conflict
Year: 1125
Category: Politics
Lothair of Supplinburg, duke of Saxony, is elected Holy Roman Emperor instead of the nearest heir, Frederick of Swabia, beginning the great struggle between Guelphs and Ghibellines.
Tags: Holy Roman Empire, Succession, Emperor, Dynastic Conflict
Portugal Achieves Independence from León
Year: 1128
Category: Politics
On June 24, the Kingdom of Portugal gains independence from the Kingdom of León at the Battle of São Mamede; (recognised by León in 1143).
Tags: Kingdom of Portugal, Kingdom of León, Independence, Middle Ages, Monarchy, Territorial Disputes, Political Formation
Papal Schism: Innocent II vs. Anacletus II
Year: 1130
Category: Religion
1138: Papal schism, Pope Innocent II vs. Antipope Anacletus II.
Tags: Catholicism, Schism, Middle Ages, Religious Conflict, Church History
Death of Sigurd I of Norway and the Start of Civil War
Year: 1130
Category: Politics
On March 26, Sigurd I of Norway dies. A golden era of 95 years comes to an end for Norway as civil wars between the members of Harald Fairhair's family line rage for the remainder of the century.
Tags: Civil War, Succession, Monarchy, Vikings
Roger II Crowned King of Sicily
Year: 1130
Category: Politics
On Christmas Day, Roger II is crowned King of Sicily, the royal title being bestowed on him by Antipope Anacletus II.
Tags: Monarchy, Kingdom of Sicily, Norman Conquest, Middle Ages, Catholicism, Coronation
Beginning of The Anarchy: Civil War Erupts in England
Year: 1135
Category: Warfare & Military
1154: The Anarchy takes place, during a period of civil war in England.
Tags: Civil War, Medieval England, Anarchy, Succession, Feudalism, Conflict
Suger Begins Reconstruction of the Abbey of Saint-Denis
Year: 1136
Category: Art
Suger begins rebuilding the abbey church at St Denis north of Paris, which is regarded as the first major Gothic building.
Tags: Middle Ages, Religious Architecture, Art History
Louis VII of France Marries Eleanor of Aquitaine
Year: 1137
Category: Politics
On July 22, the future King Louis VII of France marries Eleanor, the Duchess of Aquitaine.
Tags: Marriage, Monarchy, Angevin Empire, Political Alliance, Nobility
Second Lateran Council Ends Papal Schism
Year: 1139
Category: Religion
in April, the Second Lateran Council ends the papal schism.
Tags: Catholicism, Schism, Council, Middle Ages, Church Reform, Christianity, Religious Authority
Pope Innocent II Recognizes Roger II's Titles in Treaty of Mignano
Year: 1139
Category: Politics
On July 5, in the Treaty of Mignano, Pope Innocent II confirms Roger II as King of Sicily, Duke of Apulia, and Prince of Capua and invests him with his titles.
Tags: Catholicism, Kingdom of Sicily, Holy Roman Empire, Medieval Italy, Treaty, Diplomacy, Feudalism
Battle of Ourique: Portugal Gains Independence
Year: 1139
Category: Warfare & Military
On July 25, the Portuguese defeat the Almoravids led by Ali ibn Yusuf in the Battle of Ourique; Prince Afonso Henriques is acclaimed King of Portugal by his soldiers.
Tags: Reconquista, Battle, Military History, Monarchy
Manuel I Komnenos Ascends Byzantine Throne
Year: 1143
Category: Politics
Manuel I Komnenos is crowned as Byzantine emperor after the death of John II Komnenos.
Tags: Byzantine Empire, Emperor, Succession, Eastern Roman Empire, Political Transition, Imperial Rule
Afonso Henriques Proclaimed King of Portugal
Year: 1143
Category: Politics
Afonso Henriques is proclaimed King of Portugal by the cortes.
Tags: Monarchy, Political Formation, Middle Ages, Kingdom
Portugal's Independence Recognized by Kingdom of León
Year: 1143
Category: Politics
The Treaty of Zamora recognizes Portuguese independence from the Kingdom of León. Portugal also recognizes the suzerainty of the pope.
Tags: Political History, Treaty, Independence, Sovereignty, Kingdom of León, Catholicism
Fall of Edessa to Zengi
Year: 1144
Category: Warfare & Military
On December 24, Edessa falls to the Atabeg Zengi.
Tags: Crusades, Ayyubid Dynasty, Seljuk Empire, Siege, Military History
Second Crusade Launched
Year: 1145
Category: Warfare & Military
1148: The Second Crusade is launched in response to the fall of the County of Edessa.
Tags: Crusades, Middle Ages, Holy Land, Christianity, Military Campaign, Frankish States, Papal States, Religious Warfare, Kingdom of Jerusalem, Islamic World
Lisbon Recaptured by Portuguese Forces
Year: 1147
Category: Warfare & Military
On October 25, the four-month-long Siege of Lisbon successfully brings the city under definitive Portuguese control, expelling the Moorish overlords.
Tags: Siege, Reconquista, Middle Ages, Military History, Crusades, Territorial Expansion
Almohad Dynasty Takes Power in North Africa and Invades Iberia
Year: 1147
Category: Politics
A new Berber dynasty, the Almohads, led by Emir Abd al-Mu'min, takes North Africa from the Almoravides and soon invades the Iberian Peninsula. The Almohads began as a religious movement to rid Islam of impurities.
Tags: Islam, Religious Movements, Conquest, Middle Ages
Wendish Crusade: Christian Forces Attack Polabian Slavs
Year: 1147
Category: Warfare & Military
The Wendish Crusade against the Polabian Slavs (or "Wends") in what is now northern and eastern Germany.
Tags: Crusades, Medieval Warfare, Christianity, Slavs, Denmark, Holy Roman Empire, Religious Conflict, Expansionism
Marriage of Ramon Berenguer IV and Queen Petronilla: Formation of the Crown of Aragon
Year: 1150
Category: Politics
Ramon Berenguer IV, Count of Barcelona marries Petronilla, the Queen of Aragon.
Tags: Dynastic Marriage, Monarchy, Political Union, Crown of Aragon
Treaty of Tudilén: Division of Reconquista Zones
Year: 1151
Category: Politics
The Treaty of Tudilén is signed by Alfonso VII of León and Raymond Berengar IV, Count of Barcelona, recognizing the Aragonese conquests south of the Júcar and the right to expand in and annex the Kingdom of Murcia.
Tags: Medieval Spain, Reconquista, Treaty, Political Agreement, Territorial Expansion, Kingdom of León, Crown of Aragon
Treaty of Wallingford Ends English Civil War
Year: 1153
Category: Politics
The Treaty of Wallingford, ends the civil war between Empress Matilda and her cousin King Stephen of England fought over the English crown. Stephen acknowledges Matilda's son Henry of Anjou as heir.
Tags: Middle Ages, Civil War, Treaty, Succession, Monarchy, Anarchy
Treaty of Constance: Frederick I and Eugene III Forge Alliance
Year: 1153
Category: Politics
The First Treaty of Constance is signed between Emperor Frederick I and Pope Eugene III, by the terms of which, the emperor is to prevent any action by Manuel I Comnenus to reestablish the Byzantine Empire on Italian soil and to assist the pope against his enemies in revolt in Rome.
Tags: Holy Roman Empire, Catholicism, Frederick I, Medieval Politics, Treaty, Byzantine Empire, Diplomacy
Henry II Crowned King of England
Year: 1154
Category: Politics
On December 27, Henry II is crowned King of England at Westminster Abbey.
Tags: Monarchy, Middle Ages, Angevin Empire, Henry II
Pope Adrian IV Grants Ireland to Henry II
Year: 1155
Category: Politics
Pope Adrian IV grants overlordship of Ireland to Henry II of England in the bull Laudabiliter.
Tags: Middle Ages, Papal Bull, Henry II, Irish History, English History, Political Intrigue, Church and State
Treaty of Benevento: Papal Recognition of Norman Sicily
Year: 1156
Category: Politics
In 1156, Pope Adrian IV and William I of Norman Sicily signed the Treaty of Benevento, officially recognizing William's rule over Sicily, Apulia, Calabria, Campania, and Capua and confirming the kingdom's tribute to the papacy.
Tags: Treaty, Catholicism, Political Agreement, Medieval Italy, Feudalism
Treaty of Sahagún Ends War Between Castile and León
Year: 1158
Category: Politics
The Treaty of Sahagún ends the war between Castile and León.
Tags: Medieval Spain, Castile, Treaties, Warfare
Kilij Arslan II of Rum Recognizes Byzantine Primacy
Year: 1161
Category: Politics
Kilij Arslan II, Sultan of Rum, makes peace with the Byzantine Empire, recognizing the emperor's primacy.
Tags: Byzantine Empire, Peace Treaty, Political Relations, Middle Ages, Diplomacy, Empire
Kingdom of Georgia Captures and Sells Ani to Shaddadids
Year: 1161
Category: Warfare & Military
In the siege of Ani, troops from the Kingdom of Georgia take control over the city, only to have it sold for the second time to the Shaddadids, a Kurdish dynasty.
Tags: Medieval Warfare, Siege, Kingdom of Georgia, Military History, Dynastic Politics, Territorial Control
Norwegian Succession Law Enacted
Year: 1163
Category: Politics
The Norwegian Law of Succession takes effect.
Tags: Law, Succession, Monarchy, Middle Ages, Legal History, Government, Royal Lineage
Valdemar I of Denmark Captures Arkona Fortress
Year: 1168
Category: Warfare & Military
King Valdemar I of Denmark conquers Arkona on the Island of Rügen, the strongest pagan fortress and temple in northern Europe.
Tags: Vikings, Danish History, Conquest, Fortification, Paganism, Christianization, Religious Conflict
Norman Invasion of Ireland Begins
Year: 1169
Category: Warfare & Military
On May 1, the Norman invasion of Ireland begins. Richard fitzGilbert de Clare ('Strongbow') allies with the exiled Irish chief, Dermot MacMurrough, to help him recover his kingdom of Leinster.
Tags: Norman Conquest, Invasion, Medieval Warfare, Military Alliance, Feudalism, Colonialism
Treaty of Sahagún: Castile and Aragon Forge Alliance
Year: 1170
Category: Politics
The Treaty of Sahagún is signed by Alfonso VIII of Castile and Alfonso II of Aragon. Based on the terms of the accord, Alfonso VIII agrees to provide Alfonso II with three hostages, to be used as tribute payments owed by Ibn Mardanīš of Valencia and Murcia.
Tags: Treaty, Diplomacy, Middle Ages, Kingdom of Castile, Tribute, Political Alliances
Murder of Thomas Becket in Canterbury Cathedral
Year: 1170
Category: Religion
On December 29, Thomas Becket is murdered in Canterbury Cathedral.
Tags: Medieval England, Christianity, Catholicism, Henry II, Martyrdom, Religious Conflict, Feudalism, Church and State
Purgatory Defined by the Roman Catholic Church
Year: 1170
Category: Religion
The Roman Catholic notion of Purgatory is defined.
Tags: Catholicism, Christianity, Religious Doctrine, Middle Ages, Theology
Saladin Overthrows the Fatimid Caliphate
Year: 1171
Category: Politics
Saladin deposes the last Fatimid Caliph Al-'Āḍid and establishes the Ayyubid dynasty.
Tags: Saladin, Ayyubid Dynasty, Fatimid Caliphate, Caliphate, Political Transition, Islamic History, Middle Ages
Henry II Lands in Ireland to Claim Lordship
Year: 1171
Category: Politics
On November 11, Henry II of England lands in Ireland to assert his claim as Lord of Ireland.
Tags: Middle Ages, English Monarchy, Irish History, Colonialism, Norman Conquest, Henry II, Political Intrigue, British Isles
William I of Scotland Captured and Submits to English Rule
Year: 1174
Category: Politics
On July 12, William I of Scotland is captured by the English in the Battle of Alnwick. He accepts the feudal overlordship of the English crown and pays ceremonial allegiance at York.
Tags: Feudalism, English Monarchy
Treaty of Windsor Establishes English Influence in Ireland
Year: 1175
Category: Politics
The Treaty of Windsor is signed by King Henry II of England and the High King of Ireland, Ruaidrí Ua Conchobair.
Tags: Treaty, Irish History, Middle Ages, Henry II, Political Agreement, Feudalism
Battle of Legnano: Lombard League Defeats Frederick Barbarossa
Year: 1176
Category: Warfare & Military
On May 29, Frederick Barbarossa's forces are defeated in the Battle of Legnano by the Lombard League which results in the emperor's acknowledgment of the pope's sovereignty over the Papal States and Alexander acknowledging the emperor's overlordship of the imperial Church.
Tags: Holy Roman Empire, Medieval Warfare, Frederick Barbarossa, Lombard League, Papal States, Battle, Political Conflict, Church and State
Byzantine Defeat at the Battle of Myriokephalon
Year: 1176
Category: Warfare & Military
On September 17, The Battle of Myriokephalon (Myriocephalum; Turkish: Miryakefalon Savaşı) is fought between the Byzantine Empire and the Seljuk Turks in Phrygia. It is a serious reversal for the Byzantine forces and will be the final, unsuccessful, effort by the Byzantines to recover the interior of Anatolia from the Seljuk Turks.
Tags: Byzantine Empire, Seljuk Turks, Battle, Military History, Medieval Warfare, Decline
Treaty of Venice: Papal Victory over Emperor Frederick I
Year: 1177
Category: Politics
The Treaty or Peace of Venice is signed by the papacy and its allies, and Frederick I, Holy Roman Emperor. The Norman Kingdom of Sicily also participates in negotiations and the treaty thereby determines the political course of all of Italy for the next several years.
Tags: Middle Ages, Holy Roman Empire, Catholicism, Frederick I, Treaty, Diplomacy, Church and State, Medieval Italy
Zhou Qufei Describes Slave Trade in the Indian Ocean
Year: 1178
Category: Society & Culture
Chinese writer Zhou Qufei, a Guangzhou customs officer, writes of an island far west in the Indian Ocean (possibly Madagascar), from where people with skin "as black as lacquer" and with frizzy hair were captured and purchased as slaves by Arab merchants.
Tags: Slavery, Indian Ocean, Cultural Exchange
Treaty of Cazorla Divides Andalusia for Conquest
Year: 1179
Category: Politics
The Treaty of Cazola (Cazorla) is signed by Alfonso II of Aragon and Alfonso VIII of Castile, dividing Andalusia into separate zones of conquest for the two kingdoms, so that the work of the Reconquista would not be stymied by internecine feuding.
Tags: Reconquista, Medieval Spain, Treaty, Territorial Division, Christian Kingdoms
Portuguese Naval Victory at Cape Espichel
Year: 1180
Category: Warfare & Military
The Portuguese Navy defeats a Muslim fleet off the coast of Cape Espichel.
Tags: Medieval Warfare, Naval Battle, Reconquista, Military History
Constantinople Massacre of the Latins and Proclamation of Andronicus I
Year: 1182
Category: Warfare & Military
Revolt of the people of Constantinople against the Latins, whom they massacre, proclaiming Andronicus I Comnenus as co-emperor.
Tags: Byzantine Empire, Massacre, Rebellion, Political Instability
Peace of Constance Finalized
Year: 1183
Category: Politics
On January 25, the final Peace of Constance between Frederick Barbarossa, the pope and the Lombard towns is signed, confirming the Peace of Venice of 1177.
Tags: Holy Roman Empire, Catholicism, Frederick Barbarossa, Lombard League, Treaties, Diplomacy, Ancient greece
Andronicus I Strangles Alexius II
Year: 1183
Category: Politics
On September 24, Andronicus I Comnenus has his nephew Alexius II Comnenus strangled.
Tags: Byzantine Empire, Political Intrigue, Dynastic Succession, Usurpation, Regicide, Middle Ages
Emperor Frederick I's Diet of Pentecost in Mainz
Year: 1184
Category: Politics
Diet of Pentecost organised by Emperor Frederick I in Mainz.
Tags: Holy Roman Empire, Frederick I, Medieval Politics, Diplomacy, Imperial Authority
Bulgarian Uprising Restores the Bulgarian Empire
Year: 1185
Category: Politics
The Uprising of Asen and Peter against the Byzantine Empire leads to the restoration of the Bulgarian Empire.
Tags: Byzantine Empire, Middle Ages, Rebellion, Peter, Political Upheaval
Andronicus I Comnenus Deposed and Executed Following Thessalonika Massacre
Year: 1185
Category: Politics
Andronicus I Comnenus is deposed and, on September 12, executed as a result of the Norman massacre of the Greeks of Thessalonika.
Tags: Byzantine Empire, Emperor, Deposition, Execution, Political Instability
Lund Cathedral School Founded
Year: 1185
Category: Society & Culture
The cathedral school (Katedralskolan) in Lund, Sweden, is founded. The school is the oldest in northern Europe and one of the oldest in all of Europe.
Tags: Education, Middle Ages, Church
Henry VI's Marriage to Constance of Sicily
Year: 1186
Category: Politics
On January 27, the future Holy Roman Emperor Henry VI marries Constance of Sicily, the heiress to the Sicilian throne.
Tags: Holy Roman Empire, Middle Ages, Marriage, Dynastic Politics, Succession, Kingdom of Sicily, Henry VI, Imperial Expansion, Political Alliances
Saladin's Victory at the Battle of Hattin
Year: 1187
Category: Warfare & Military
On July 4, in the Battle of Hattin, Saladin defeats the king of Jerusalem.
Tags: Crusades, Saladin, Kingdom of Jerusalem, Battle, Military History, Islamic World, Middle Ages, Holy Land, Religious Conflict
Sigtuna Raided by Baltic and Karelian Forces
Year: 1187
Category: Warfare & Military
In August, the Swedish royal and commercial center Sigtuna is attacked by raiders from Karelia, Couronia, and/or Estonia.
Tags: Vikings, Raids, Warfare, Baltic Sea, Estonia, Military History
Richard I Crowned King of England
Year: 1189
Category: Politics
On September 3, Richard I is crowned King of England at Westminster.
Tags: Monarchy, Medieval England, Coronation
William II of Sicily Dies; Tancred Succeeds Instead of Constance
Year: 1189
Category: Politics
On November 11, William II of Sicily dies and is succeeded by his illegitimate cousin Tancred, Count of Lecce instead of Constance.
Tags: Succession, Kingdom of Sicily, Normans, European History, Monarchy
Preparations for the Third Crusade
Year: 1189
Category: Warfare & Military
1192: The Third Crusade is an attempt by European leaders to wrest the Holy Land from Saladin.
Tags: Crusades, Holy Land, Medieval Warfare, Saladin, Philip II of France, Holy Roman Empire, Military Campaign, Religious Conflict
Emperor Frederick Barbarossa's Death and Crusader Army's Disintegration
Year: 1190
Category: Warfare & Military
On June 10, Emperor Frederick Barbarossa drowns in the River Salef, leaving the Crusader army under the command of the rivals Philip II of France and Richard I of England, which ultimately leads to the dissolution of the army.
Tags: Crusades, Holy Roman Empire, Frederick Barbarossa, Philip II of France, Military Leadership, Medieval Europe
Henry VI's Failed Invasion of the Kingdom of Sicily
Year: 1191
Category: Warfare & Military
Holy Roman Emperor Henry VI attacked the Kingdom of Sicily from May to August but fails and withdrawn, with Empress Constance captured (released 1192).
Tags: Holy Roman Empire, Kingdom of Sicily, Medieval Warfare, Military Campaign, Henry VI, Imperialism, Siege
Richard I Defeats Saladin at Arsuf
Year: 1191
Category: Warfare & Military
On September 7, Saladin is defeated by Richard I of England at the Battle of Arsuf.
Tags: Crusades, Battle, Military History, Saladin, Ayyubid Dynasty, Holy Land, Medieval Warfare, Kingdom of Jerusalem
Isabella I Ascends to the Throne of Jerusalem
Year: 1192
Category: Politics
In April, Isabella I begins her reign as Christian Queen of the Kingdom of Jerusalem
Tags: Crusades, Kingdom of Jerusalem, Monarchy, Middle Ages, Succession, Holy Land, Christianity
Richard the Lionheart's Victory at the Battle of Jaffa
Year: 1192
Category: Warfare & Military
In the Battle of Jaffa, King Richard the Lionheart defeats Saladin.
Tags: Crusades, Military History, Battle, Saladin, Ayyubid Dynasty, Kingdom of Jerusalem, Medieval Warfare, Holy Land
Treaty of Ramla: Jerusalem Remains Muslim, Latin Kingdom Reduced
Year: 1192
Category: Politics
In June, the Treaty of Ramla is signed by Saladin and Richard Lionheart. Under the terms of the agreement, Jerusalem will remain under Muslim control. However, the city will be open to Christian pilgrims. The Latin Kingdom is reduced to a coastal strip that extends from Tyre to Jaffa.
Tags: Crusades, Treaty, Diplomacy, Saladin, Christianity, Political Settlement
Ghori's Victory at Tarain Establishes Muslim Rule in India
Year: 1192
Category: Warfare & Military
Sultan Shahābuddin Muhammad Ghori establishes the first Muslim empire in India for 14 years (1192–1206) by defeating Prithviraj Chauhan.
Tags: Middle Ages, Islamic Conquests, Delhi Sultanate, Military Conflict, Religious Conversion, Indian History
Emperor Henry VI's Conquest of the Kingdom of Sicily
Year: 1194
Category: Warfare & Military
Emperor Henry VI conquers the Kingdom of Sicily.
Tags: Holy Roman Empire, Kingdom of Sicily, Conquest, Military Campaign, Imperialism, Henry VI, Political Intrigue
Georgian Victory at the Battle of Shamkori
Year: 1195
Category: Warfare & Military
On June 16, the struggle of Shamqori. Georgian forces annihilate the army of Abu Baqar.
Tags: Medieval Warfare, Azerbaijan, Military History, Battle, Military Conflict
Teutonic Knights Established as a Military Order
Year: 1198
Category: Warfare & Military
The brethren of the Crusader hospital in Acre are raised to a military order of knights, the Teutonic Knights, formally known as the Order of the Knights of the Hospital of St. Mary of the Teutons in Jerusalem.
Tags: Crusades, Teutonic Order, Acre, Holy Land, Middle Ages, Christianity, Religious Orders, Military History
Pope Innocent III's Invitation to Kaloyan for Church Union
Year: 1199
Category: Religion
Pope Innocent III writes to Kaloyan, inviting him to unite the Bulgarian Church with the Roman Catholic Church.
Tags: Christianity, Roman Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox Church, Catholicism, Diplomacy, Religious Politics, Bulgarian Empire, Middle Ages
Battle of Basian: Georgian Victory over Seljuk Forces
Year: 1202
Category: Warfare & Military
Battle of Basian occurs on July 27, between Kingdom of Georgia and Seljuks.
Tags: Medieval Warfare, Kingdom of Georgia, Seljuk Empire, Military Conflict, Battle, Territorial Disputes
Arthur of Brittany Defeated at the Battle of Mirebeau
Year: 1202
Category: Warfare & Military
Battle of Mirebeau occurs on August 1, between Arthur I of Brittany and John of England.
Tags: Medieval Warfare, Angevin Empire, Military Defeat, Feudalism
Sack of Constantinople by the Fourth Crusade
Year: 1204
Category: Warfare & Military
Fourth Crusade of 1202–1204 captures Zadar for Venice and sacks Byzantine Constantinople, creating the Latin Empire.
Tags: Crusades, Byzantine Empire, Sack, Military History, Religious Conflict, Middle Ages
French Conquest of Normandy
Year: 1204
Category: Warfare & Military
Fall of Normandy from Angevin hands to the French King, Philip Augustus, end of Norman domination of France.
Tags: Angevin Empire, Feudalism, Conquest, Territorial Expansion, Warfare
Battle of Adrianople: Bulgarians Defeat Crusaders
Year: 1205
Category: Warfare & Military
The Battle of Adrianople occurred on April 14 between Bulgarians under Tsar Kaloyan of Bulgaria, and Crusaders under Baldwin I, (July 1172 – 1205), the first emperor of the Latin Empire of Constantinople.
Tags: Medieval Warfare, Crusades, Bulgarian Empire, Byzantine Empire, Military History
Mamluk Dynasty Establishes Delhi Sultanate
Year: 1206
Category: Politics
The Delhi Sultanate is established in Northern India under the Mamluk Dynasty.
Tags: Delhi Sultanate, Middle Ages, Islamic Empires, Political History, Sultanate, Governance
Francis of Assisi Establishes the Franciscan Order
Year: 1209
Category: Religion
Francis of Assisi founds the Franciscan Order.
Tags: Religious Orders, Catholicism, Middle Ages, Monasticism, Christianity, Religious Reform, Poverty
Pope Innocent III Declares the Albigensian Crusade
Year: 1209
Category: Religion
The Albigensian Crusade is declared by Pope Innocent III.
Tags: Crusades, Catholicism, Heresy, Religious Conflict, Medieval Europe
Qutb-ud-Din Aibak's Death and the Delhi Sultanate's Succession
Year: 1210
Category: Politics
Qutb-ud-Din Aibak, the first ruler of the Delhi Sultanate, fell down from a horse while playing chovgan (a form of polo on horseback) in Lahore and died instantly when the pommel of the saddle pierced his ribs.
Tags: Delhi Sultanate, Succession, Medieval India, Islamic History, Governance
Christian Victory at the Battle of Las Navas de Tolosa
Year: 1212
Category: Warfare & Military
The Battle of Las Navas de Tolosa in Iberia marks the beginning of a rapid Christian reconquest of the southern half of the Iberian Peninsula, mainly from 1230–1248, with the defeat of Moorish forces.
Tags: Middle Ages, Reconquista, Battle, Christianity, Islam, Military History
Frederick of Sicily Crowned King of the Romans
Year: 1212
Category: Politics
Frederick of Sicily is crowned King of the Romans at Mainz.
Tags: Holy Roman Empire, Middle Ages, Monarchy, Imperial Politics, Frederick II, Catholicism, Succession, Political Intrigue
French Victory at the Battle of Muret
Year: 1213
Category: Warfare & Military
The Kingdom of France defeats the Crown of Aragon at the Battle of Muret.
Tags: Medieval Warfare, Crown of Aragon, Feudalism, Military History, Battle
French Victory at the Battle of Bouvines
Year: 1214
Category: Warfare & Military
France defeats the English and Imperial German forces at the Battle of Bouvines.
Tags: Middle Ages, Military History, Holy Roman Empire, Battle, Philip II of France, Angevin Empire, Feudalism, Warfare
King John Signs Magna Carta
Year: 1215
Category: Politics
King John signs Magna Carta at Runnymede.
Tags: Monarchy, Feudalism, Limited Government, Constitutionalism, Legal History
Battle of Lipitsa
Year: 1216
Category: Warfare & Military
Battle of Lipitsa between Russian principalities.
Tags: Medieval Russia, Civil War, Russian Principalities, Military Conflict, Medieval Warfare, Feudalism
Fifth Crusade Launches, Attacks and Captures Damietta
Year: 1217
Category: Warfare & Military
1221: Fifth Crusade captures Egyptian Ayyubid port city of Damietta; ultimately the Crusaders withdraw.
Tags: Crusades, Medieval Warfare, Ayyubid Dynasty, Military Campaign, Holy Land, Religion, Middle Ages, Papal States
Frederick II Crowned Holy Roman Emperor
Year: 1220
Category: Politics
Frederick II, Holy Roman Emperor is crowned in Rome
Tags: Holy Roman Empire, Middle Ages, Emperor, Catholicism, Frederick II, Monarchy
Mongol Destruction of Merv, Herat, and Nishapur
Year: 1221
Category: Warfare & Military
Merv, Herat and Nishapur are destroyed in the Mongol conquest of the Khwarazmian Empire.
Tags: Mongol Empire, Conquest, Siege, Massacre, Genghis Khan, Military History, Destruction
Andrew II of Hungary Issues the Golden Bull
Year: 1222
Category: Politics
Andrew II of Hungary signs the Golden Bull which affirms the privileges of Hungarian nobility.
Tags: Middle Ages, Nobility, Feudalism, Royal Authority, Constitutionalism
Signoria Established in Venice
Year: 1223
Category: Politics
The Signoria of the Republic of Venice is formed and consists of the Doge, the Minor Council, and the three leaders of the Quarantia.
Tags: Republic, Government, Middle Ages, Governance
Mongol Victory at the Battle of the Kalka River
Year: 1223
Category: Warfare & Military
The Mongol Empire defeats various Russian principalities at the Battle of the Kalka River.
Tags: Mongol Empire, Battle, Medieval Warfare, Golden Horde, Russian Principalities, Military History, Invasion
The Second Lombard League's Formation Against Emperor Frederick II
Year: 1226
Category: Politics
1250: Dispute between the so-called second Lombard League and Emperor Frederick II.
Tags: Holy Roman Empire, Medieval Italy, Guelphs and Ghibellines, Ancient greece, Alliances, Imperial Authority
Estonia Subjugated by German Crusaders
Year: 1227
Category: Warfare & Military
Estonians are finally subjugated to German crusader rule during the Livonian Crusade.
Tags: Crusades, Medieval Warfare, Teutonic Order, Conquest, Estonia, Christianization, Military
Death of Genghis Khan
Year: 1227
Category: Politics
Genghis Khan dies.
Tags: Mongol Empire, Genghis Khan, Empire Building, Succession, Middle Ages, Khanate
Frederick II Negotiates Return of Jerusalem
Year: 1228
Category: Warfare & Military
1229: Sixth Crusade under the excommunicated Emperor Frederick II, who returns Jerusalem to the Crusader States in a negotiated settlement with the Sultan of Egypt, Al-Kamil
Tags: Crusades, Frederick II, Diplomacy, Holy Roman Empire, Middle Ages, Negotiation, Religious Conflict
Conflict Begins: Papal-Imperial Tensions Erupt
Year: 1228
Category: Politics
1230: First clash between Gregory IX and Emperor Frederick II.
Tags: Catholicism, Holy Roman Empire, Frederick II, Medieval Politics, Church and State, Conflict, Guelphs and Ghibellines
Frederick II Issues the Constitutions of Melfi
Year: 1231
Category: Politics
Emperor Frederick II promulgates the Constitutions of Melfi, a far-reaching legal code influential in the development of continental European statehood.
Tags: Middle Ages, Law, Legal Code, Frederick II, Holy Roman Empire, Kingdom of Sicily, Statehood, Governance
Frederick II's Victory Over the Lombard League at Cortenuova
Year: 1237
Category: Warfare & Military
Emperor Frederick II virtually annihilates the forces of the second Lombard League at the Battle of Cortenuova.
Tags: Medieval Italy, Holy Roman Empire, Frederick II, Lombard League, Battle, Military History, Guelphs and Ghibellines, Medieval Warfare
Mongol Invasion of Rus' Begins
Year: 1237
Category: Warfare & Military
1240: Mongol Empire conquers Kievan Rus.
Tags: Mongol Empire, Invasion, Kievan Rus', Middle Ages, Conquest, Genghis Khan, Warfare
Frederick II's Excommunication and Conflict with the Papacy Begins
Year: 1239
Category: Politics
1250: Third conflict between the Holy Roman Empire and the Papacy.
Tags: Holy Roman Empire, Catholicism, Frederick II, Excommunication, Medieval Europe, Church and State, Conflict, Guelphs and Ghibellines, Imperial Authority
Battle of the Neva: Russian Victory over Sweden
Year: 1240
Category: Warfare & Military
Russians defeat the Swedish army at the Battle of the Neva.
Tags: Medieval Russia, Military History, Battle, Warfare
Mongol Invasions of Hungary and Poland
Year: 1241
Category: Warfare & Military
Mongol Empire defeats Hungary at the Battle of Mohi and defeats Poland at the Battle of Legnica. Hungary and Poland ravaged.
Tags: Mongol Empire, Invasion, Medieval Warfare, Military History, Golden Horde, Expansionism
Russians Victorious at the Battle of Lake Peipus
Year: 1242
Category: Warfare & Military
Russians defeat the Teutonic Knights at the Battle of Lake Peipus.
Tags: Medieval Warfare, Teutonic Order, Crusades, Military History, Battle
Prelude to the Second Holy Roman Empire–Papacy War
Year: 1243
Category: Warfare & Military
1250: Second Holy Roman Empire–Papacy War.
Tags: Holy Roman Empire, Catholicism, Warfare, Conflict, Political Intrigue
Ayyubid and Khwarezmian Victory at the Battle of La Forbie
Year: 1244
Category: Warfare & Military
Ayyubids and Khwarezmians defeat the Crusaders and their Arab allies at the Battle of La Forbie.
Tags: Crusades, Ayyubid Dynasty, Military History, Medieval Warfare, Battle, Islamic World, Holy Land, Mamluk Sultanate
Seventh Crusade: Capture and Withdrawal from Damietta
Year: 1248
Category: Warfare & Military
1254: Seventh Crusade captures Egyptian Ayyubid port city of Damietta, crusaders ultimately withdraw, after the capture of French king Louis IX. Mamelukes overthrow Ayyubid Dynasty.
Tags: Crusades, Ayyubid Dynasty, Medieval Warfare, Military History, Religious Conflict, Middle Ages
Afonso III Reconquers the Algarve
Year: 1249
Category: Warfare & Military
End of the Portuguese Reconquista against the Moors, when King Afonso III of Portugal reconquers the Algarve.
Tags: Reconquista, Military History, Kingdom of Portugal, Medieval Warfare, Territorial Expansion
Mamluk Dynasty Established in Egypt
Year: 1250
Category: Politics
The Mamluk dynasty is founded in Egypt.
Tags: Mamluks, Dynasty, Islamic World, Military, Slavery, Ayyubid Dynasty
Death of Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II
Year: 1250
Category: Politics
Death of Emperor Frederick II on December 13th.
Tags: Holy Roman Empire, Succession, Emperor, Papal States, Guelphs and Ghibellines, Kingdom of Sicily, Frederick II
Mongol Conquest of Baghdad and Fall of the Abbasid Caliphate
Year: 1258
Category: Warfare & Military
Baghdad captured and destroyed by the Mongols, effective conclusion of the Abbasid Caliphate in Baghdad.
Tags: Mongol Empire, Abbasid Caliphate, Invasion, Siege, Military History, Middle Ages, Islam, Destruction
Treaty of Paris Settles Disputes Between England and France
Year: 1259
Category: Politics
Treaty of Paris is signed between Louis IX and Henry III
Tags: Treaty, Angevin Empire, Diplomacy, Territorial Disputes
Mongol Defeat at Ain Jalut
Year: 1260
Category: Warfare & Military
Mongols first major war defeat in the Battle of Ain Jalut against the Egyptians.
Tags: Mongol Empire, Mamluk Sultanate, Crusades, Military History, Battle, Middle Ages, Military Defeat, Expansionism
Byzantine Reconquest of Constantinople
Year: 1261
Category: Warfare & Military
Byzantines under Michael VIII retake Constantinople from the Crusaders and Venice.
Tags: Byzantine Empire, Crusades, Medieval Warfare
Icelandic Commonwealth Submits to Norwegian Rule
Year: 1262
Category: Politics
Iceland brought under Norwegian rule, with the Old Covenant.
Tags: Monarchy, Sovereignty, Colonialism, Iceland, Commonwealth
Thomas Aquinas Begins Writing Summa Theologiae
Year: 1265
Category: Philosophy & Ideas
Dominican theologian Thomas Aquinas begins to write his Summa Theologiae.
Tags: Medieval Philosophy, Scholasticism, Philosophy, Theology, Western Thought, Christianity
Mamluk Conquest of Antioch
Year: 1268
Category: Warfare & Military
Fall of the Crusader State of Antioch to the Egyptians.
Tags: Crusades, Mamluks, Battle, Siege, Military History, Medieval Warfare, Islamic World
Edward I and Charles of Anjou Launch Ninth Crusade in Acre
Year: 1271
Category: Warfare & Military
Edward I of England and Charles of Anjou arrive in Acre, starting the Ninth Crusade against Baibars.
Tags: Crusades, Warfare, Military Campaign, Acre, Mamluk Sultanate
Second Council of Lyon's Union Attempt
Year: 1272
Category: Religion
1274: Second Council of Lyon attempts to unite the churches of the Eastern Roman Empire with the Church of Rome.
Tags: Catholicism, Eastern Orthodox Church, Byzantine Empire, Middle Ages, Ecumenism, Council
Bishop Tempier Condemns Aristotelian Propositions
Year: 1277
Category: Philosophy & Ideas
Passage of the last and most important of the Paris Condemnations by Bishop Tempier, which banned a number of Aristotelian propositions
Tags: Medieval Philosophy, Aristotle, Theology, Catholicism, Scholasticism, Intellectual History
Aragon Gains Control of Sicily
Year: 1282
Category: Politics
Aragon acquires Sicily after the Sicilian Vespers.
Tags: Kingdom of Sicily, Dynastic Politics, Territorial Expansion, Warfare
Peterhouse College Founded at Cambridge University
Year: 1284
Category: Society & Culture
Peterhouse, Cambridge founded by Hugo de Balsham, the Bishop of Ely.
Tags: Universities, Higher Education, Cambridge University, Medieval England, Education, Society
Nogai Khan's Second Mongol Invasion of Hungary
Year: 1285
Category: Warfare & Military
Second Mongol raid against Hungary, led by Nogai Khan.
Tags: Mongol Empire, Medieval Warfare, Military History, Raid
Fall of Tripoli to the Mamluks
Year: 1289
Category: Warfare & Military
The County of Tripoli falls to the Bahri Mamluks led by Qalawun.
Tags: Crusades, Mamluk Sultanate, Ayyubid Dynasty, Siege, Conquest, Middle Ages, Islamic World, Fortress
English Jews Expelled by Royal Decree
Year: 1290
Category: Religion
By the Edict of Expulsion, King Edward I of England orders all Jews to leave the Kingdom of England.
Tags: Religious Violence, Anti-Semitism, Middle Ages, Jewish Diaspora, Discrimination, Exile
Formation of the Swiss Confederation
Year: 1291
Category: Politics
The Swiss Confederation of Uri, Schwyz, and Unterwalden forms.
Tags: Confederation, Switzerland, Middle Ages, Political Organization, Independence, Treaty
Mamluk Capture of Acre Ends Crusader Kingdom
Year: 1291
Category: Warfare & Military
Mamluk Sultan of Egypt al-Ashraf Khalil captures Acre, thus ending the Crusader Kingdom of Jerusalem (the last Christian state remaining from the Crusades).
Tags: Crusades, Mamluk Sultanate, Acre, Siege, Military History, Middle Ages, Kingdom of Jerusalem, Islamic World, Christianity, Religious Conflict
Duns Scotus Discusses Benefits of Trade
Year: 1295
Category: Philosophy & Ideas
Scottish priest Duns Scotus writes about the mutual beneficence of trade.
Tags: Medieval Philosophy, Scholasticism, Trade, Moral Philosophy
Outbreak of the First War of Scottish Independence
Year: 1296
Category: Warfare & Military
First War of Scottish Independence begins.
Tags: Middle Ages, Warfare, Scottish Independence, Military Conflict
Great Council of Venice Closed to New Families
Year: 1297
Category: Politics
Membership in the Mazor Consegio or the Great Council of Venice of the Venetian Republic is sealed and limited in the future to only those families whose names have been inscribed therein.
Tags: Venetian Republic, Oligarchy, Aristocracy, Political Reform, Medieval Italy, Governance, Magistracy
Osman I Establishes the Ottoman Beylik
Year: 1299
Category: Politics
Ottoman Empire is established under Osman I.
Tags: Ottoman Empire, Turkish History, Middle Ages, Political Formation, Islamic World, Expansionism, Sultanate
