Historical Events tagged with "medieval"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Natural Disasters

Devastating Basel Earthquake Strikes City

October 18th, 1356 668 years ago

In October 1356, Basel, Switzerland, experienced a massive earthquake that resulted in significant destruction of the town. The quake was felt throughout the region and destroyed many buildings, including the city’s Cathedral. Historical records indicate that it reached an estimated magnitude of 6.6, making it one of the most powerful earthquakes in recorded history north of the Alps, compelling the local population to seek refuge and assistance.

Continue Reading
Politics & Government

King Tvrtko I Issues Document on Visoki

September 1st, 1355 669 years ago

King Tvrtko I of Bosnia issued a significant document titled 'In castro nostro Vizoka vocatum' from the Old Town of Visoki. This proclamation highlighted the importance of Visoki, cementing its status in the region. The document was part of Tvrtko's broader efforts to establish authority and legitimacy, reflecting the political landscape of 14th-century Bosnia. It indicated the strategic importance of the town and underscored the king's role in maintaining control and governance in the area.

Continue Reading
Crime & Law

St Scholastica Day Riot in Oxford

February 10th, 1355 670 years ago

A violent clash erupted between scholars and locals in Oxford, resulting in significant loss of life. It began when local tavern owners had a disagreement with university students, escalating quickly into riotous behavior. The riot lasted for two days, during which approximately 63 scholars and potentially 30 local citizens were killed. This conflict highlighted the ongoing tensions between the academic community and the settled citizens of the city, showcasing the fraught relationship between the two groups.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

Anglo-Bretons Victory at Mauron

August 14th, 1352 672 years ago

The Battle of Mauron saw Anglo-Breton forces decisively defeat the French army, securing control over much of Brittany. The battle was a part of the War of the Breton Succession, which arose from a dynastic dispute over the duchy of Brittany. It took place near the town of Mauron, where Anglo-Breton forces, led by Charles de Blois, faced off against the army of John of Montfort. The victory bolstered the Montfortian cause and intensified the conflict between England and France.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

Combat of the Thirty: Breton Knights Triumph

March 26th, 1351 674 years ago

Thirty Breton knights, led by Bertram de Guesclin, faced off against thirty English knights in a remarkable duel. This combat was prompted by ongoing hostilities during the Hundred Years' War, highlighting the martial spirit of the era. The duel took place in the region of Brittany, where the Bretons defended their honor and heralded their prowess as warriors. After a fierce battle, the Breton knights emerged victorious, showcasing their skill in combat and solidifying their reputation in chivalric circles.

Continue Reading
Politics & Government

Dušan the Mighty enacts Dušan's Code

May 21st, 1349 675 years ago

Dušan's Code was enacted by Dušan the Mighty to centralize laws within the Serbian Empire. This legal framework served to unify the diverse territories under his rule, establishing a more cohesive governance. It included provisions for property, inheritance, and criminal law, reflecting both Byzantine influences and local customs. The enactment aimed to assert the authority of the Serbian monarchy and strengthen the state during a period of significant territorial expansion and consolidation.

Continue Reading
Crime & Law

Basel's Jewish Population Rounded Up and Incinerated

January 9th, 1349 676 years ago

In Basel, fear and superstition led to the mass rounding up and incineration of the Jewish population, whom many residents blamed for the Black Death ravaging Europe. Accusations of poisoning wells and spreading disease fueled this brutal act of violence against the community, who had lived in Basel for generations. The incident occurred amidst widespread hysteria and a desperate search for scapegoats amid the pandemic crisis.

Continue Reading
Politics & Government

Union of Valencia Attacks Jews of Murviedro

November 1st, 1348 676 years ago

An anti-royalist faction in Valencia launched an assault on the Jewish community in Murviedro, claiming they were serfs of the King of Valencia. Fueled by rising tensions over royal authority, approximately 300 Jews faced violence instigated by accusations of loyalty to the monarchy, sparking a significant incident in the region's social turmoil.

Continue Reading
Religion & Philosophy

Pope Clement VI Defends Jews from Blame

July 6th, 1348 676 years ago

Pope Clement VI issued a papal bull aiming to protect Jewish communities who were unjustly accused of causing the Black Death through poisoning wells. Amidst growing anti-Semitic sentiment in Europe, the Pope condemned these false accusations and called for compassion and understanding towards the Jewish population. This papal pronouncement was a response to the widespread violence, including massacres and expulsions, directed at Jews during the plague years, emphasizing the need for peace and coexistence.

Continue Reading