Khosrau I Ascends the Persian Throne
Year: 531
Category: Politics
579: Reign of Persian Shah Khosrau I.
Tags: Sasanian Empire, Shah, Monarchy, Governance, Imperial Rule, Middle Ages
Battle of Camlann: Alleged Death of King Arthur
Year: 537
Category: Warfare & Military
Battle of Camlann, final battle of legendary King Arthur.
Tags: Medieval Warfare, British History, Dark Ages, Battle, Military Conflict, Mythology
Birth of the Prophet Muhammad
Year: 570
Category: Religion
Birth of the last Islamic Prophet Muhammad.
Tags: Islam, Arabia, Religion, Islamic History, Middle Ages, Monotheism, Religious Figure, Early Islam, Birth
Accession of Hormizd IV as Persian Shah
Year: 579
Category: Politics
590: Reign of Persian Shah Hormizd IV.
Tags: Sasanian Empire, Shah, Monarchy, Governance, Middle Ages
Visigothic Conquest of the Suebian Kingdom
Year: 585
Category: Warfare & Military
Suebian Kingdom conquered by Visigoths in Spain.
Tags: Visigoths, Suebi, Conquest, Monarchy, Middle Ages, Roman Empire, Warfare
Siege of Constantinople by Avars, Slavs, and Persians
Year: 626
Category: Warfare & Military
The Avars, the Slavs and the Persians jointly besiege but fail to capture Constantinople.
Tags: Byzantine Empire, Sasanian Empire, Siege, Military History, Medieval Warfare
Arab Invasions Initiate Arab-Khazar Wars
Year: 650
Category: Warfare & Military
The Arab–Khazar wars begin.
Tags: Warfare, Military Conflict, Arab Conquests, Middle Ages, Byzantine Empire, Caliphate
Yazdegerd III's Assassination Ends Sassanid Dynasty
Year: 651
Category: Politics
Emperor Yazdegerd III is murdered in Merv, ending the rule of Sassanid dynasty in Persia.
Tags: Sassanid Empire, Islamic Conquests, Caliphate, Dynastic Rule, Assassination, Political Transition, Middle Ages
Byzantine Victory: Greek Fire Devastates Arab Fleet, Persian Prince Seeks Refuge
Year: 677
Category: Warfare & Military
Most of the Arab fleet is destroyed by Greek fire; the Persian crown prince flees to the T'ang court.
Tags: Byzantine Empire, Arab Conquests, Naval Warfare, Military Technology, Sasanian Empire, 600s, Middle Ages
Byzantine Victory over the Bulgarians
Year: 688
Category: Warfare & Military
Emperor Justinian II of the Byzantine Empire defeats the Bulgarians.
Tags: Byzantine Empire, Medieval Warfare, Military History, Empire, Expansion, Conflict
Caliph Abd al-Malik's Death and Al-Walid's Succession
Year: 705
Category: Politics
Death of Arab caliph Abd al-Malik, his succession by his nominated heir and elder son al-Walid.
Tags: Umayyad Caliphate, Caliph, Succession, Dynasty, Political History, Middle Ages, Early Islam
Caliph Sulayman's Death and Umar's Succession
Year: 717
Category: Politics
Death of caliph Sulayman ibn Abd al-Malik and his succession by his cousin and nominated heir Umar ibn Abd al-Aziz.
Tags: Caliphate, Umayyad Caliphate, Succession, Islamic History, Political Leadership, Middle Ages, Religious Law
Byzantine and Bulgarian Victory Halts Arab Advance
Year: 717
Category: Warfare & Military
718: Siege of Constantinople. The Bulgarians and the Byzantines decisively defeat the invading Arabs, thus halting the Arab advance toward Europe.
Tags: Siege, Byzantine Empire, Arab Caliphate, Military History, Medieval Warfare, Expansionism, Islamic Conquests
Yazid II Dies, Hisham Becomes Caliph
Year: 724
Category: Politics
Death of caliph Yazid II and he was succeeded by his brother and nominated heir Hisham.
Tags: Caliphate, Umayyad Caliphate, Succession, Islamic History, Political Transition, Early Islam, Middle Ages
Caliph Hisham's Death and Al-Walid II's Succession
Year: 743
Category: Politics
Death of Arab caliph Hisham and succession of his nephew and heir Al-Walid II.
Tags: Caliphate, Umayyad Caliphate, Succession, Political Transition, Islamic History, Middle Ages, Dynastic Politics
Caliphate Succession Crisis: Yazid III's Death and Ibrahim's Abdication
Year: 744
Category: Politics
Death of Yazid III and his succession by his brother and nominated heir Ibrahim ibn al-Walid. On 4 December Ibrahim was forced to Abdicate in favour Marwan II.
Tags: Caliphate, Umayyad Caliphate, Succession, Civil War, Islamic History, Political Instability, Middle Ages
Abbasid Revolution: Overthrow of the Umayyad Caliphate
Year: 750
Category: Politics
The last Umayyad Caliph Marwan II (744–750) is overthrown and executed by the first Abbasid Caliph, Abu al-Abbas al-Saffah. The Caliphate is moved to Baghdad which would later develop into a centre of trade and culture. The Ghana Empire begins in western Africa.
Tags: Caliphate, Islamic History, Umayyad Dynasty, Political Transition, Middle Ages, Islamic Golden Age
Al-Saffah's Death and Al-Mansur's Ascension as Abbasid Caliph
Year: 754
Category: Politics
Death of Abbasid caliph al-Saffah and ascension of caliph al-Mansur to Arab Caliphate.
Tags: Caliphate, Abbasid Caliphate, Islamic History, Succession, Political Transition, Middle Ages, Islam, Dynastic Change
Caliph al-Mansur's Death and Al-Mahdi's Succession
Year: 775
Category: Politics
Death of caliph al-Mansur and he was succeeded by al-Mahdi.
Tags: Abbasid Caliphate, Succession, Political Leadership, Middle Ages, Islamic History
Al-Hadi's Death and Harun al-Rashid's Ascension to the Caliphate
Year: 786
Category: Politics
Death of Abbasid caliph al-Hadi and ascension of caliph Harun al-Rashid.
Tags: Abbasid Caliphate, Caliph, Succession, Islamic History, Middle Ages, Political Transition
Bulgarian Victory at Marcelae Ends Bulgarian Instability
Year: 792
Category: Warfare & Military
Battle of Marcelae. The Bulgarian victory over the Byzantines marks the end of the half-century political instability in Bulgaria.
Tags: Medieval Warfare, Byzantine Empire, Military Conflict, Political Instability, Battle, Middle Ages, Expansion
Aghlabid Dynasty Established in North Africa
Year: 800
Category: Politics
909: Rule of Aghlabids as an autonomous province of Caliphate in North Africa, with their capital at Tunis.
Tags: Islamic World, Caliphate, Dynasty, Political History, Governance, Middle Ages
Byzantine-Bulgarian War Begins
Year: 809
Category: Warfare & Military
815: War between the Byzantine empire and Bulgaria.
Tags: Byzantine Empire, Medieval Warfare, Military Conflict, Expansionism, Imperialism
Byzantine Emperor Nicephorus I Killed at Battle of Pliska
Year: 811
Category: Warfare & Military
Battle of Pliska fought between a Byzantine force led by emperor Nicephorus I and a Bulgarian army commanded by Khan Krum. Byzantines are defeated in a series of engagements, culminating with the death of Nicephorus I.
Tags: Medieval Warfare, Byzantine Empire, Military Defeat, Battle
Byzantine Empire Defeated by Bulgarians at Versinikia
Year: 813
Category: Warfare & Military
Byzantines are heavily defeated by the Bulgars at Versinikia.
Tags: Bulgarian Empire, Byzantine Empire, Medieval Warfare, Military Defeat, Byzantine-Bulgarian Wars, Political Instability
Bulgarian-Byzantine Peace Treaty
Year: 815
Category: Politics
A 30-year peace agreement is signed between Bulgaria and the Byzantine Empire.
Tags: Byzantine Empire, Peace Treaty, Diplomacy, Middle Ages, Military History
Aghlabid Conquest of Sicily and Raids on Southern Italy
Year: 827
Category: Warfare & Military
902: Aghlabids established emirate (province) in Sicily and subsequently raids Southern Italy.
Tags: Islamic Conquests, Military Expansion, Medieval Warfare, Raids
Founding of the Ghana Empire
Year: 830
Category: Politics
The Ghana (Wagadu) Empire is established.
Tags: Empire, Middle Ages, Monarchy, Political Development, Trade, Governance, Sahel
Vlastimir Defeats Presian in Battle
Year: 839
Category: Warfare & Military
842: Vlastimir defeats Presian.
Tags: Medieval Warfare, Balkan History, Military Conflict, Expansionism
First Depiction of Rotary Grindstone and Crank in Europe
Year: 843
Category: Technology
First image of a rotary grindstone in a European source—illustration shows crank, first known use of a crank in the West (Utrecht Psalter, 843)
Tags: Middle Ages, Mechanical Devices
Saracen Sack of Rome
Year: 846
Category: Warfare & Military
11,000 Saracen Arab squadrons from Africa, with 500 horses, desecrate Christian shrines in Rome, including the tombs and basilicas of Sts. Peter and Paul.
Tags: Middle Ages, Raids, Viking Age, Islam, Christianity, Religious Conflict
Construction of the Leonine Wall in Rome
Year: 848
Category: Warfare & Military
852: The west bank of the Tiber is annexed into the city of Rome. A defensive wall, commissioned by Pope Leo IV, is built around what came to be called the Leonine City as a defensive response to the Saracen desecration of Rome in 846.
Tags: Middle Ages, Fortification, Papal States, Military History
Muslims Found Al Karaouine University in Fez
Year: 859
Category: Society & Culture
Muslims establish the University of Al Karaouine as a madrasa in Fez, Morocco.
Tags: Islam, University, Education, Middle Ages, Islamic Golden Age, Society
Assassination of Caliph al-Mutawakkil and Abbasid Decline
Year: 861
Category: Politics
Assassination of Abbasid caliph al-Mutawakkil (r. 847–861) and decline of the Abbasid Caliphate.Coin issued during al-Mutawakkil's reign in the mid-9th century
Tags: Abbasid Caliphate, Caliphate, Islamic History, Assassination, Political Instability, Decline of Empires, Middle Ages
Ashot I Becomes Ruler, Beginning the Bagratuni Dynasty
Year: 862
Category: Politics
The Bagratuni dynasty of Medieval Armenia begins with Ashot I.
Tags: Dynasty, Kingdom, Political History, Middle Ages, Governance
Photian Schism Begins
Year: 863
Category: Religion
879: Period of schism between Eastern and Western churches.
Tags: Christianity, Eastern Orthodox Church, Catholicism, Schism, Byzantine Empire, Religious Conflict, Theology, Middle Ages
Bulgaria Converts to Christianity under Boris I
Year: 864
Category: Religion
Christianization of Bulgaria under Boris I
Tags: Christianization, Eastern Orthodox Church, Byzantine Empire, Slavs, Middle Ages, Religious Conversion, Political Power, Cultural Impact
Ahmad ibn Tulun Establishes Independent Tulunid Dynasty
Year: 868
Category: Politics
Ahmad ibn Tulun breaks away from the Abbasid Caliphate and establishes the independent Tulunid dynasty.
Tags: Dynasty, Caliphate, Abbasid Caliphate, Independence, Military, Political Fragmentation, Middle Ages, Islamic World
Zanj Rebellion Begins Against Abbasid Caliphate
Year: 869
Category: Warfare & Military
883: Zanj Rebellion against the Abbasids
Tags: Rebellion, Abbasid Caliphate, Islamic History, Middle Ages, Military Conflict, Political Instability
Prague Castle Construction Begins
Year: 870
Category: Politics
Prague Castle founded.
Tags: Middle Ages, Fortification, Political Development, Architecture, Slavs
Alfred the Great Ascends to the Throne of Wessex
Year: 871
Category: Politics
899: Reign of Alfred the Great, the first king of the English.Alfred the Great led Wessex at its height in the 9th century
Tags: Anglo-Saxon, Wessex, King, Middle Ages, Alfred the Great, Monarchy
Cyrillic Alphabet Introduced in Bulgaria
Year: 885
Category: Religion
Arrival of the disciples of Saints Cyril and Methodius, Clement of Ohrid and Naum of Preslav in Bulgaria. Development of the Cyrillic Alphabet.
Tags: Orthodox Christianity, Literacy, Religion, Middle Ages, Cultural Diffusion
Abbo Cernuus Witnesses Viking Siege of Paris
Year: 885
Category: Warfare & Military
Abbo Cernuus becomes witness to the Siege of Paris by Vikings.
Tags: Vikings, Siege, Middle Ages, Military History, Carolingian Empire, Defense
Simeon I Ascends the Bulgarian Throne and Reforms the State
Year: 893
Category: Politics
Council of Preslav - Vladimir-Rasate is dethroned and succeeded as Prince of Bulgaria by Simeon I; the capital is moved from Pliska to Preslav; the Byzantine clergy is expelled and replaced by Bulgarian; Old Bulgarian becomes the official language of the country.
Tags: Capital City, Byzantine Empire, Political Transition, Middle Ages
Hungarian Victory at the Battle of Pressburg
Year: 907
Category: Warfare & Military
Three German armies led by Luitpold, Margrave of Bavaria, which entered the Hungarian territory in order to expel the Hungarians from the Carpathian Basin, is annihilated by the Hungarian army at the Battle of Pressburg.
Tags: Medieval Warfare, Battle, Military History, Invasion, Expansionism
Rollo Establishes Duchy of Normandy
Year: 911
Category: Politics
The Viking Rollo granted County of Rouen by France: official foundation of Normandy.
Tags: Vikings, Middle Ages, Feudalism, Treaty, Political Settlement
Warmadewa Dynasty Established in Bali
Year: 914
Category: Politics
The Warmadewa dynasty rules Bali.
Tags: Dynasty, Kingdom, Political History, Middle Ages, Governance
Bulgarian Victory at the Battle of Anchialus
Year: 917
Category: Warfare & Military
(20 August 917) the Bulgarians destroyed the Byzantine army in the Battle of Anchialus, one of the bloodiest battles in the Middle Ages.
Tags: Medieval Warfare, Byzantine Empire, Bulgarian Empire, Battle, Military History, Expansionism, Byzantine-Bulgarian Wars
Gunpowder Used in Battle at Langshan Jiang
Year: 919
Category: Warfare & Military
the first use of gunpowder in battle occurs with the Chinese Battle of Langshan Jiang (Wolf Mountain River), where the Wuyue naval fleet under Qian Yuanguan defeats the Wu fleet. Qian had used flamethrowers ignited by gunpowder fuses to burn the Wu fleet.
Tags: Gunpowder, Military Technology, Naval Warfare, Medieval Warfare
Bulgarian Patriarchate Officially Recognized
Year: 927
Category: Religion
official recognition of the first independent national Church in Europe, the Bulgarian Patriarchate.Political divisions within England, 10th century.
Tags: Christianity, Eastern Orthodox Church, Byzantine Empire, Church History, Religious Authority, Middle Ages
Ziyarid Dynasty Established in Northern Iran
Year: 928
Category: Politics
Ziyarid dynasty is established in northern Iran.
Tags: Dynasty, Islamic World, Political History, Middle Ages
Goryeo Dynasty Unifies Korean Peninsula
Year: 936
Category: Politics
Goryeo dynasty unifies Later Three Kingdoms of Korea.
Tags: Goryeo Dynasty, Unification, Korean History, Political History, Monarchy, Middle Ages
Otto I's Victory at the Battle of Lechfeld
Year: 955
Category: Warfare & Military
The Battle of Lechfeld (10 August 955) sees a decisive victory for Otto I the Great, King of the Germans, over the Hungarian harka Bulcsú and the chieftains Lél (Lehel) and Súr.
Tags: Battle, Holy Roman Empire, Medieval Warfare, German History, Hungarian History, Military Victory, Invasion
Kievan Rus' Conquest of Khazaria
Year: 965
Category: Warfare & Military
Khazar kingdom is attacked and defeated by Kievan Rus.
Tags: Kievan Rus, Military Conflict, Middle Ages, Expansionism, Political Transition, Slavic History
Kievan Rus' Siege of Silistra
Year: 968
Category: Warfare & Military
Battle of Silistra between Kievan Rus and Bulgars.
Tags: Medieval Warfare, Kievan Rus, Bulgarian Empire, Siege, Military Conflict, Byzantine Empire
Fatimid Dynasty Founds Cairo
Year: 969
Category: Politics
Cairo is founded near Fustat by the Fatimid dynasty.
Tags: Fatimid Caliphate, Islamic History, Middle Ages, City Founding, Political History, Dynasties
Ghaznavid Dynasty Established
Year: 975
Category: Politics
Ghaznavids dynasty, as the first Turk Sultanate, was established in Central Asia.
Tags: Sultanate, Islamic Empires, Ghaznavids, Political Formation, Middle Ages, Military Expansion
Al-Azhar University Founded by the Fatimid Dynasty
Year: 980
Category: Religion
c. 980: Al-Azhar University is established in Cairo by the Fatimid dynasty.
Tags: Islam, Islamic World, University, Education, Fatimid Caliphate, Sunni Islam, Middle Ages
Queen Gudit's Rebellion Against Aksum
Year: 980
Category: Warfare & Military
c. 980: Queen Gudit leads her rebellion against the Aksumite dynasty of Abyssinia.
Tags: Rebellion, Military Conflict, Queen, Ethiopian History, Middle Ages, Political Instability, Warfare
Vladimir I's Christian Conversion and Baptism
Year: 988
Category: Religion
Vladimir I, Prince of Kievan Rus', baptised a Christian
Tags: Christianity, Eastern Orthodox Church, Kievan Rus', Religious Conversion, Byzantine Empire, Middle Ages, Slavic History
King Dharmawangsa's Naval Invasion of Srivijaya
Year: 990
Category: Warfare & Military
King Dharmawangsa of Mataram kingdom launches a naval invasion on Palembang in an unsuccessful attempt to conquer Srivijaya. (to 1006)
Tags: Maritime History, Military Conflict, Middle Ages, Kingdom of Mataram, Srivijaya Empire, Naval Warfare, Political Intrigue
Birth of Airlangga, Prince of Bali
Year: 990
Category: Politics
Airlangga, son of King Udayana and Queen Mahendradatta was born in Bali.
Tags: Middle Ages, Monarchy, Succession
Ghaznavids Conquer the Samanid Empire
Year: 999
Category: Warfare & Military
Samanid dynasty was defeated and conquered by Ghaznavids.
Tags: Warfare, Conquest, Empire, Ghaznavids, Middle Ages, Islamic World, Military History
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
Butuan Kingdom's Tributary Mission to Song Dynasty China
Year: 1001
Category: Politics
The ancient kingdom of Butuan, through its King, Rajah Kiling, made contact with the Chinese, Song dynasty recorded the first appearance of Butuan tributary mission through Lijehan and Jiaminan at the Chinese Imperial Court on March 17, 1001 AD.
Tags: Diplomacy, Tributary System, Song Dynasty, Butuan, Trade, Middle Ages
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
King Wurawari's Invasion and the Fall of Mataram
Year: 1006
Category: Warfare & Military
King Dharmawangsa's Mataram kingdom falls under the invasion of King Wurawari from Lwaram (highly possible Srivijayan ally in Java).
Tags: Middle Ages, Monarchy, Warfare, Military Conflict, Srivijaya, Mataram, Invasion, Political Instability
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
Khitan Withdrawal in the Second Goryeo-Khitan War
Year: 1010
Category: Warfare & Military
1011: The Second Goryeo-Khitan War; the Korean king is forced to flee the capital temporarily, but is unable to establish a foothold and fearing a counterattack, the Khitan forces withdrew.
Tags: Warfare, Military History, Middle Ages, Goryeo Dynasty, Siege, Invasion
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
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
Goryeo Victory at Kwiju and Peace Treaty with the Khitans
Year: 1018
Category: Warfare & Military
The Third Goryeo-Khitan War; the Korean General Kang Kam-ch'an inflicted heavy losses to Khitan forces at the Battle of Kwiju. The Khitans withdrew and both sides signed a peace treaty.
Tags: Medieval Warfare, Korean History, Goryeo Dynasty, Military Conflict, Peace Treaty
Airlangga Founds the Kingdom of Kahuripan
Year: 1019
Category: Politics
Airlangga establishes the Kingdom of Kahuripan.
Tags: Kingdom, Political Formation, Monarchy, Hinduism, Middle Ages
Ibn Samh Constructs a Geared Mechanical Astrolabe
Year: 1020
Category: Technology
– Ibn Samh of Al-Andalus builds a geared mechanical astrolabe.
Tags: Islamic Golden Age, Astronomy, Astrolabe, Mathematics, Al-Andalus, Scientific Instruments, Middle Ages
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
Sanghyang Tapak Inscription Establishes Sacred Forest and Mentions Sunda Kingdom
Year: 1030
Category: Religion
Sanghyang Tapak inscription in the Cicatih River bank in Cibadak, Sukabumi, West Java, mentioned about the establishment of sacred forest and Kingdom of Sunda. (to 1579)
Tags: Middle Ages, Hinduism
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
Kingdom of Nri Founded
Year: 1043
Category: Politics
the Kingdom of Nri of West Africa is said to have started in this year with Eze Nri Ìfikuánim
Tags: Monarchy, Middle Ages, Political Formation, Pre-Colonial Africa
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
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
Mugni Gospels Illuminated
Year: 1060
Category: Art
– the Mugni Gospels of Armenia are written in illuminated manuscript form.
Tags: Gospels, Religious Texts, Christianity, Middle Ages, Art History
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
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
Chola Dynasty Launches Military Raids in Southeast Asia
Year: 1068
Category: Warfare & Military
Virarajendra Chola begins sending military raids into Malaysia and Indonesia.
Tags: Chola Dynasty, Military Expansion, Naval Power, Tamil Nadu, Warfare, Middle Ages, Maritime History, Indian Ocean, Raid
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
Almoravid Sack of Koumbi Saleh and End of Ghana Empire Rule
Year: 1076
Category: Warfare & Military
the Ghana Empire is attacked by the Almoravids, who sack the capital of Koumbi Saleh, ending the rule of king Tunka Manin
Tags: Almoravids, Military Conflict, Middle Ages, Islam, Conquest
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 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
King Jayawarsa Ascends to the Throne of Kadiri
Year: 1104
Category: Politics
King Jayawarsa of Kadiri (on Java) ascends to the throne.
Tags: Monarchy, Dynasty, Middle Ages, Succession
Founding of the Venice Arsenal
Year: 1104
Category: Technology
The Venice Arsenal of Venice, Italy, is founded. It employed some 16,000 people for the mass production of sailing ships in large assembly lines, hundreds of years before the Industrial Revolution.
Tags: Shipbuilding, Naval Technology, Middle Ages, Assembly Line, Industrial Revolution, Trade, Economy, Maritime Power
Norman Victory at Tinchebray
Year: 1106
Category: Warfare & Military
Battle of Tinchebray.
Tags: Medieval Warfare, Norman Conquest, Angevin Empire, Battle, Military History
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
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
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
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
King Jayabaya Ascends the Throne of Kadiri
Year: 1135
Category: Politics
King Jayabaya of Kadiri ascends to the throne.
Tags: Monarchy, Political Leadership, Middle Ages, Javanese History
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
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
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
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
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
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
Song Dynasty Navy Defeats Jin Dynasty in Naval Battles
Year: 1161
Category: Warfare & Military
the Song dynasty Chinese navy, employing gunpowder bombs launched from trebuchets, defeats the enormous Jin dynasty navy in the East China Sea in the Battle of Tangdao and on the Yangtze River in the Battle of Caishi.
Tags: Song Dynasty, Jin Dynasty, Naval Warfare, Gunpowder, Yangtze River, Chinese History, Military Technology, Medieval 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
Pandyan Civil War Begins
Year: 1169
Category: Warfare & Military
Political disputes within the Pandya Empire sparks the decade-long Pandyan Civil War.
Tags: Civil War, South India, Middle Ages, Political Instability, Dynastic Conflict, Warfare, Regional 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
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
Sinhalese Sack Madurai
Year: 1172
Category: Warfare & Military
The Pandyan city of Madurai is sacked by the Sinhalese army due to an attempt to drive off the rival throne claimant, Kulasekara Pandyan.
Tags: Middle Ages, South India, Military Conflict, Invasion, Sack, Political Intrigue
Parakramabahu I's Victory Against the Chola Empire
Year: 1173
Category: Warfare & Military
Sinhalese king Parakramabahu the Great gains a decisive victory by invading the Chola Empire as an ally of the Pandyas in the Pandyan Civil War.
Tags: Military History, Chola Empire, Sri Lankan History, Warfare, Invasion, Civil War, Parakramabahu I, Middle Ages
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
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
Parakramabahu's Invasion of Burma
Year: 1181
Category: Warfare & Military
Parakramabahu the Great conducts a large-scale raid on Burma, after a ship transporting a Sinhalese princess to the Khmer Empire is attacked by Burmese naval fleets.
Tags: Middle Ages, Military History, Sri Lankan History, Naval Warfare, Raid, Diplomacy, Parakramabahu I
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
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
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
First Documented Use of Windmills
Year: 1185
Category: Technology
First record of windmills.
Tags: Middle Ages, Energy, Agriculture, Wind Power, Resource Management
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Pandya Dynasty Re-established by Maravarman Sundara I
Year: 1216
Category: Politics
Maravarman Sundara I reestablishes the Pandya Dynasty in Southern India
Tags: South India, Tamil Nadu, Middle Ages, Chola Empire, Political History
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
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
Volga Bulgaria Defeats Mongol Army at Samara Bend
Year: 1223
Category: Warfare & Military
Volga Bulgaria defeats the army of the Mongol Empire at the Battle of Samara Bend.
Tags: Mongol Empire, Battle, Military History, Medieval Warfare, Military Defeat
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
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
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
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
Establishment of the Sultanate of Ternate
Year: 1257
Category: Politics
Baab Mashur Malamo established the Sultanate of Ternate in Maluku.
Tags: Sultanate, Political Formation, Maluku Islands, Middle Ages, Monarchy
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
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
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
Solomonic Dynasty Overthrows the Zagwe Dynasty
Year: 1270
Category: Politics
The Zagwe dynasty is displaced by the Solomonic dynasty.
Tags: Dynasty, Political Transition, Middle Ages, Monarchy, Ethiopian History, Succession
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
Chola Dynasty's Formal Dissolution
Year: 1279
Category: Politics
The Chola Dynasty in Southern India officially comes to an end.
Tags: Chola Dynasty, South India, Dynasty, Political History, Middle Ages, Tamil Nadu, Government
Mongol Invasion of Japan Repelled
Year: 1281
Category: Warfare & Military
The Mongols launch their second invasion of Japan, but like their first invasion they are repelled by the Samurai and the Kamikaze winds.
Tags: Mongol Empire, Samurai, Kamikaze, Medieval Warfare, Invasion, Military History
Singhasari Annexation of Bali
Year: 1284
Category: Warfare & Military
King Kertanegara launches the Pabali expedition to Bali, integrating Bali into the Singhasari territory.
Tags: Military Campaign, Territorial Expansion, Middle Ages, Warfare, Political Integration
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
Invention of Eyeglasses in Italy
Year: 1286
Category: Technology
Eyeglasses in Italy
Tags: Middle Ages, Optics, Health
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
Eyeglasses Invented in Northern Italy
Year: 1290
Category: Technology
Eyeglasses are invented in Northern Italy, possibly Pisa, demonstrating knowledge of human biology and optics, to offer bespoke works that compensate for an individual human disability.
Tags: Optics, Medicine, Middle Ages
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
King Mangrai Establishes the Lanna Kingdom
Year: 1292
Category: Politics
King Mangrai founds the Lanna kingdom.
Tags: Kingdom, Political Formation, Monarchy, Thai History, Middle Ages, Regional Power
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
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
Consecration of Turku Cathedral
Year: 1300
Category: Religion
The Turku Cathedral was consecrated in Turku.
Tags: Christianity, Catholicism, Middle Ages, Religious Buildings
Jayanegara Ascends to the Throne of Majapahit
Year: 1309
Category: Politics
King Jayanegara succeeds Kertarajasa Jayawardhana as ruler of Majapahit.
Tags: Majapahit, Monarchy, Succession, Middle Ages, Dynasty
Papal Relocation to Avignon
Year: 1309
Category: Religion
1377: The Avignon papacy transfers the seat of the Popes from Italy to France.
Tags: Catholicism, Schism, Middle Ages, Western Christianity, Political Intrigue, Religious Authority
Franciscan Friar's Voyage and Description of Majapahit
Year: 1318
Category: Society & Culture
1330: An Italian Franciscan friar, Mattiussi, visited Sumatra, Java, and Banjarmasin in Borneo. In his record he described the kingdom of Majapahit.
Tags: Exploration, Middle Ages, Religious Orders, Majapahit, Cultural Exchange, Travel Literature
Władysław I Crowned King of Poland
Year: 1320
Category: Politics
Władysław I the Elbow-high is crowned King of Poland which leads to its later unification.
Tags: Monarchy, Polish History, Unification, Middle Ages, Political Consolidation, Dynastic Rule
Death of Abu Said and Fragmentation of Ilkhanate Persia
Year: 1335
Category: Politics
The death of the Ilkhan Abu Said causes the disintegration of the Mongol rule in Persia.
Tags: Mongol Empire, Succession, Political Instability, Fragmentation, Middle Ages
Saint George's Night Uprising by Estonian Pagans
Year: 1343
Category: Warfare & Military
1345: In Saint George's Night Uprising, pagan Estonians launch a last large-scale attempt to rid themselves of the non-indigenous Christian religion.
Tags: Middle Ages, Crusades, Religious Conflict, Paganism, Christianity, Rebellion, Estonia, Teutonic Order
English Victory at the Battle of Crécy
Year: 1346
Category: Warfare & Military
English forces led by Edward III defeat a French army led by Philip VI of France in The Battle of Crécy, a major point in the Hundred Years' War which marks the rise of the longbow as a dominant weapon in Western Europe.
Tags: Hundred Years' War, Medieval Warfare, Battle, Military History
Golden Bull of 1356 Issued by Charles IV
Year: 1356
Category: Politics
The Imperial Diet of the Holy Roman Empire headed by Emperor Charles IV issues the Golden Bull of 1356, establishing various constitutional aspects of the Empire, the most significant being the electoral college to elect future emperors.
Tags: Holy Roman Empire, Constitutional Law, Middle Ages, Governance
Hanseatic League Officially Founded at Diet of Lübeck
Year: 1356
Category: Economy & Trade
The Diet of the Hansa is held in Lübeck, formalising what up until then had only been a loose alliance of trading cities in northern Europe and officially founding the Hanseatic League.
Tags: Trade, Middle Ages, Ancient greece, Economic History, Commerce
Treaty of Berwick: Scotland Maintains Independence
Year: 1357
Category: Politics
Scotland retains its independence with the signing of the Treaty of Berwick, thus ending the Wars of Scottish Independence.
Tags: Treaty, Scottish Independence, Middle Ages, Sovereignty, Diplomacy, Conflict Resolution
Ottoman Victory at the Battle of Maritsa
Year: 1371
Category: Warfare & Military
The Battle of Maritsa, the Serbs are defeated by the Ottomans, with most of Serb nobility being killed.
Tags: Medieval Warfare, Balkan History, Military Defeat, Battle, Byzantine Empire
Russian Victory at the Battle of the Vozha River
Year: 1378
Category: Warfare & Military
Battle of the Vozha River between Russians and Mongols.
Tags: Military History, Medieval Warfare, Mongol Empire, Golden Horde, Russian Principalities, Battle, Military Strategy
John Wycliffe's Dismissal and the Rise of Lollardy
Year: 1381
Category: Religion
John Wycliffe is dismissed from the University of Oxford for criticism of the Catholic Church, leading to the Lollardy movement in England.
Tags: Christianity, Heresy, Catholicism, Middle Ages, Religious Movement
English Peasants' Uprising
Year: 1381
Category: Society & Culture
Peasants' Revolt in England.
Tags: Peasantry, Rebellion, Social Unrest, Middle Ages, Feudalism, Taxation, Class Conflict
Barquq Seizes Power, Establishes Burji Mamluk Dynasty
Year: 1382
Category: Politics
Barquq rise to power to start the Burji dynasty, the Circassian Mamuluk Dynasty in Egypt.
Tags: Mamluks, Dynasty, Sultanate, Political Power, Middle Ages, Military
Poland and Lithuania Unify Through Union of Krewo
Year: 1385
Category: Politics
Union of Krewo between Poland and Lithuania.
Tags: Political Union, Dynastic Marriage, Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, Middle Ages, Habsburgs, Monarchy
Battle of Kosovo: Serbian Defeat Against Ottoman Empire
Year: 1389
Category: Warfare & Military
Battle of Kosovo between Serbs and Ottoman Turks; Prince Lazar, Sultan Murad I and Miloš Obilić are killed.
Tags: Medieval Warfare, Ottoman Empire, Military Conflict, National Identity
Wikramawardhana Ascends to the Majapahit Throne
Year: 1389
Category: Politics
Wikramawardhana succeeds Sri Rajasanagara as ruler of Majapahit.
Tags: Majapahit Empire, Dynastic Succession, Monarchy, Middle Ages
Emperor Go-Kameyama Abdicates, Ending Nanboku-chō Period
Year: 1392
Category: Politics
Emperor Go-Kameyama of Japan abdicates in favor of rival claimant Go-Komatsu, in order to end the Nanboku-chō period of conflict between the Northern and Southern imperial courts.
Tags: Emperor, Imperial Court, Civil War, Abdication, Political Transition, Middle Ages, Governance
Ottoman Victory at the Battle of Nicopolis
Year: 1396
Category: Warfare & Military
The Battle of Nicopolis, in which the Ottoman Empire defeats a large Crusader army of knights and infantry from various Christian kingdoms including Hungary, France, the Holy Roman Empire, Burgundy and Wallachia.
Tags: Battle, Crusades, Ottoman Empire, Medieval Warfare, Military History, Expansionism
Ottoman Conquest of Vidin and Fall of the Second Bulgarian Empire
Year: 1396
Category: Warfare & Military
The Second Bulgarian Empire ends, with the capture of the last stronghold fortress of Vidin and its king Ivan Sratsimir by the Ottomans.
Tags: Ottoman Empire, Middle Ages, Conquest, Empire, Warfare, Expansionism
Establishment of the Sultanate of Sulu
Year: 1405
Category: Politics
The Sultanate of Sulu is established by Sharif ul-Hāshim.
Tags: Islam, Sultanate, Political Formation, Maritime History, Middle Ages, State Formation
Last Recorded Event in Norse Greenland: A Wedding at Hvalsey
Year: 1408
Category: Society & Culture
The last recorded event to occur in the Norse settlements of Greenland was a wedding in Hvalsey in the Eastern Settlement in 1408.
Tags: Norse, Middle Ages, Viking Age, Scandinavian History, Settlement, Society
Battle of Grunwald: Polish-Lithuanian Victory Over Teutonic Knights
Year: 1410
Category: Warfare & Military
The Battle of Grunwald is the decisive battle of the Polish–Lithuanian–Teutonic War leading to the downfall of the Teutonic Knights.
Tags: Medieval Warfare, Polish History, Teutonic Order, Battle, Military History, Crusades
Owain Glyndŵr's Uprising: Welsh Resistance to English Rule
Year: 1410
Category: Warfare & Military
1415: The last Welsh war of independence, led by Owain Glyndŵr.
Tags: English History, War of Independence, Rebellion, Middle Ages, Military Conflict
Portuguese Conquest of Ceuta
Year: 1415
Category: Warfare & Military
Henry the Navigator leads the conquest of Ceuta from the Moors marking the beginning of the Portuguese Empire.
Tags: Portuguese Empire, Colonialism, Conquest, Age of Exploration, Medieval Warfare, Kingdom of Portugal, Reconquista
English Victory at the Battle of Agincourt
Year: 1415
Category: Warfare & Military
Battle of Agincourt fought between the Kingdom of England and France.
Tags: Hundred Years' War, Medieval Warfare, English History, French History, Military Tactics, Henry V
Joan of Arc's Victory at Orléans
Year: 1429
Category: Warfare & Military
Joan of Arc ends the Siege of Orléans and turns the tide of the Hundred Years' War.
Tags: Hundred Years' War, Military History, Siege, French History, English History, Joan of Arc, Medieval Warfare, Nationalism, Battle
Eton College Established by Henry VI
Year: 1440
Category: Society & Culture
Eton College founded by Henry VI.
Tags: Education, Higher Education, Henry VI, Middle Ages, Society
Leonardo Bruni Formalizes Division of Historical Periods
Year: 1442
Category: Philosophy & Ideas
Leonardo Bruni defines Middle Ages and Modern times.
Tags: Historiography, Renaissance, Middle Ages, Modernity, Humanism
Albanian League Established; Skanderbeg Leads Resistance Against Ottomans
Year: 1444
Category: Politics
The Albanian league is established in Lezha, Skanderbeg is elected leader. A war begins against the Ottoman Empire. An Albanian state is set up and lasts until 1479.
Tags: Albania, Ottoman Empire, Resistance, Middle Ages, State Formation, Warfare, Nationalism
Kazan Khanate Victory over Moscow at Suzdal
Year: 1445
Category: Warfare & Military
The Kazan Khanate defeats the Grand Duchy of Moscow at the Battle of Suzdal.
Tags: Battle, Russian History, Medieval Warfare, Military History, Principality
