What Happened This Year 1080

Historical Events from This Year 1080

Politics & Government

Canute IV ascends as King of Denmark

April 17th, 1080 944 years ago

Harald III of Denmark passed away, leading to the succession of Canute IV. Known as Canute the Holy, he would later be canonized, marking a notable shift in Denmark's royal lineage and its relationship with the church. His reign would focus on strengthening the kingdom and its Christian roots, impacting Danish society profoundly.

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Born in 1080

Teresa of León

Countess of Portugal, regent authority
Born
1080 945 years ago
Died
November 11th, 1130 894 years ago — 50 years old

Countess of Portugal served as regent during the early 12th century. Governed the County of Portugal following the death of her husband, Count Henry. Played a crucial role in the political landscape of the Iberian Peninsula, particularly in relations between Portugal and León. Structured the administration and established alliances that contributed to the formation of a distinct Portuguese identity separate from León.

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Matilda of Scotland

Queen consort of England
Born
1080 945 years ago
Died
May 1st, 1118 906 years ago — 38 years old

Married to Henry I of England, Matilda of Scotland served as queen consort from 1100 until death in 1118. Matilda was the daughter of Malcolm III of Scotland and St. Margaret of Scotland. Her marriage helped strengthen ties between Scotland and England. Matilda was involved in the promotion of religious reform and supported the founding of monasteries. She had three children, including the future King of England, William Adelin.

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Owain Gwynedd

Welsh king during the 12th century
Born
1080 945 years ago
Died
November 28th, 1170 854 years ago — 90 years old

Ruled as king of Gwynedd from 1137 until death in 1170. Achieved notable military victories against the English and sought to unify Wales. Advocated for the independence of Wales from English control. Strengthened the defenses of Gwynedd and engaged in various alliances to bolster his position.

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People Who Died in 1080

Harald III of Denmark

Danish King and warrior leader
Born
1041 984 years ago
Died
April 17th, 1080 944 years ago — 39 years old

Ruled as King of Denmark and played a significant role in the politics of Scandinavia during the 11th century. Engaged in multiple military campaigns, expanding territory and influence through warfare. Fought against rival factions and sought to unify Denmark under a centralized rule. Participated in the Battle of Hjo̸rring and contended with the ambitions of other Nordic powers.

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Walcher

Bishop of Durham in medieval England
Died
May 14th, 1080 944 years ago — None years old

Served as Bishop of Durham from 1071 until death in 1080. Oversaw the spiritual and administrative matters of his diocese during a period of significant political upheaval in England. Played a crucial role in the establishment of the Norman Church in the north of England. Worked to integrate Norman and Anglo-Saxon communities through ecclesiastical reforms.

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Rudolf of Rheinfelden

Duke and anti-king of Germany
Born
1025 1000 years ago
Died
October 15th, 1080 944 years ago — 55 years old

Served as Duke of Swabia and gained prominence during the Investiture Controversy. Opposed Henry IV, Holy Roman Emperor, and was elected anti-king by a faction of German nobles in 1077. Engaged in multiple battles against Henry IV, most notably at the battle of the Elster in 1080. Struggled for power amidst conflicts between church and state, emphasizing the tension during this period in German history. Died in battle against loyalist forces in 1080.

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