What Happened This Year 1187

People Who Died in 1187

Raynald of Châtillon

French knight and crusader leader
Born
1125 900 years ago
Died
July 4th, 1187 837 years ago — 62 years old

A knight from the Crusader states, played a significant role during the Crusades. Participated in the Second Crusade and established himself as a prominent figure in the conflict. Captured and ruled the city of Kerak in modern-day Jordan, strengthening the presence of the Crusaders in the region. Conducted raids against Muslim caravans, which drew the ire of influential Muslim leaders. Lead forces during the pivotal Battle of Hattin in 1187, where his capture marked a significant moment in the conflict between the Crusaders and Muslim armies. Executed following the battle by Saladin.

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Pope Urban III

Pope and religious leader during the Crusades
Died
October 20th, 1187 837 years ago — None years old

Served as the pope from 1185 until death in 1187. Urban III faced significant challenges during his papacy, particularly relating to the Crusades. His tenure was marked by the ongoing conflicts between Christian and Muslim forces in the Holy Land, especially in response to the fall of Jerusalem in 1187. Urban III sought to rally support for the Christian cause and was deeply involved in the affairs of the church during a period of turmoil. His papacy is often overshadowed by the events of the time, particularly the loss of Jerusalem under Saladin's leadership, which acted as a catalyst for new calls to action among Western Christendom.

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Emperor Gaozong of Song

Song Dynasty Emperor and military leader
Born
1107 918 years ago
Died
November 9th, 1187 837 years ago — 80 years old

Ruled as the third emperor of the Song Dynasty from 1127 until 1187. Played a crucial role in the establishment of the Southern Song Dynasty after the fall of the northern territories. Oversaw key military strategies against the Jurchen Jin dynasty and focused on strengthening the economy and administration. Promoted Confucianism and culture during the reign, which influenced subsequent generations. His reign marked a period of significant cultural and economic development in Southern China.

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Pope Gregory VIII

Pope during the Third Crusade
Born
1100 925 years ago
Died
December 17th, 1187 837 years ago — 87 years old

Elected as pope in 1187, this religious leader played a significant role during the Third Crusade. His papacy was marked by efforts to rally support for Christian forces against Muslim armies. The pontiff issued the papal bull 'Audita Tremendi' to encourage European monarchs to unite for the campaign to reclaim Jerusalem following its capture by Saladin. His tenure as pope lasted only a few months until his death later that year.

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Gao Zong

Chinese Emperor during the Song Dynasty
Born
June 12th, 1107 917 years ago
Died
1187 838 years ago — 80 years old

Ascended the throne as the third emperor of the Song Dynasty in 1127, leading during a period of significant military challenge and internal strife. His reign faced the Jurchen invasion which resulted in the loss of northern China, prompting the relocation of the capital to Lin'an. Focused on strengthening the southern Song administration, he instituted various reforms and sought to stabilize the economy. Gao Zong's leadership and decisions during this tumultuous time helped to establish a foundation for the future of the southern Song Dynasty, which enjoyed a period of relative stability and cultural flourishing.

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