What Happened This Year 1109

Historical Events from This Year 1109

Born in 1109

Afonso I

King of Portugal and founder
Born
July 25th, 1109 915 years ago
Died
1185 840 years ago — 76 years old

Afonso I became the first King of Portugal in 1139, after successfully leading a series of military campaigns to secure independence from the Kingdom of León. Afonso established the county of Portugal as a separate entity, which laid the foundation for the eventual kingdom. His reign saw the expansion of Portuguese territory through military conquests against the Moors in the south. Afonso played a key role in the establishment of the Christian kingdom in the Iberian Peninsula. He also formalized the administrative structure of the country and promoted the Church's influence.

Continue Reading

William d'Aubigny

1st Earl of Arundel, English politician
Born
1109 916 years ago
Died
October 12th, 1176 848 years ago — 67 years old

Served as the 1st Earl of Arundel and played a significant role in the political landscape of 12th century England. Actively participated in the affairs of the kingdom during the reign of King Henry II. Engaged in various military campaigns and held important administrative positions. Contributed to the governance of the realm through loyalty to the crown and involvement in local politics.

Continue Reading

Afonso I of Portugal

King of Portugal and first monarch
Born
1109 916 years ago
Died
December 6th, 1185 839 years ago — 76 years old

First monarch of Portugal, Afonso I ruled from 1139 to 1185. Afonso established the independence of Portugal from the Kingdom of León, leading a series of military campaigns against Muslim territories in the Iberian Peninsula. Significant victories included the capture of Lisbon in 1147 during the Second Crusade, which solidified his power. Afonso's reign expanded Portuguese territory and strengthened the Christian presence in the region. His efforts in governance laid the foundations for the future development of Portugal as a nation-state. He was recognized as the first King of Portugal by Pope Alexander III in 1179, marking a pivotal moment in Portuguese history.

Continue Reading

People Who Died in 1109

Anselm of Canterbury

Archbishop and theologian, authored "Proslogion"
Born
1033 992 years ago
Died
April 21st, 1109 915 years ago — 76 years old

An Italian-English archbishop and theologian, contributed to Christian philosophy and doctrine during the medieval period. Served as the Archbishop of Canterbury from 1093 until death. Played a pivotal role in the theological debates of the time, advocating for the use of reason in faith. In writing "Proslogion", established the ontological argument for the existence of God, which has influenced subsequent theological thought. Engaged in conflicts with the monarchy, notably King William II and King Henry I, over the appointment of bishops and the church's independence from royal influence. Recognized as a saint by the Catholic Church, with feast day celebrated on April 21.

Continue Reading

Abbot Hugh of Cluny

Abbot and Reformer of Cluniac Monasteries
Born
1024 1001 years ago
Died
April 28th, 1109 915 years ago — 85 years old

Led the Cluniac reform movement during the early 11th century. Played a pivotal role in restoring the rule of St. Benedict within the Cluniac order. Contributed to the expansion of the Cluniac network across Europe, emphasizing communal worship, stability, and the pursuit of holiness. Served as abbot at Cluny Abbey and established additional monasteries that adhered to the Cluniac model. His leadership helped to position Cluny Abbey as a central religious institution in medieval Christian Europe.

Continue Reading

Hugh of Cluny

French abbot and reformer
Born
May 13th, 1024 1000 years ago
Died
April 29th, 1109 915 years ago — 84 years old

Hugh of Cluny served as the abbot of Cluny Abbey and significantly reformed monastic life in Western Christianity. Under leadership, Cluny Abbey became a center of monastic reform, emphasizing strict adherence to the Rule of St. Benedict. Hugh focused on spiritual and temporal governance throughout the Cluniac order and played a crucial role in enhancing the influence of the Benedictine monastic tradition. His tenure saw the establishment of numerous daughter houses across Europe, contributing to the spread of reformist ideas.

Continue Reading

Alfonso VI

King of León and Castile
Born
1040 985 years ago
Died
July 1st, 1109 915 years ago — 69 years old

Reigned as the king of León from 1065 and king of Castile from 1072 until death in 1109. Expanded territory significantly through military campaigns against Muslim kingdoms. Conquered Toledo in 1085, marking a pivotal moment in the Reconquista. Fostered cultural and economic development in the region, establishing León as a prominent kingdom in medieval Spain.

Continue Reading