What Happened This Year 1218

Historical Events from This Year 1218

Military & Warfare

The Fifth Crusade's Journey to Egypt Begins

May 24th, 1218 806 years ago

The Fifth Crusade embarked from Acre heading to Egypt, aiming to capture Damietta. This military campaign was part of the broader Crusades, which sought to reclaim Jerusalem from Muslim control. The decision to target Egypt was strategic, as it served as a power center for Muslim armies. The crusaders set sail from Acre to implement this ambitious plan, with hopes of revitalizing Christian influence in the region through military action.

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Politics & Government

Al-Kamil Ascends as Sultan of Ayyubid Dynasty

August 31st, 1218 806 years ago

Al-Kamil, son of Sultan al-Adil, succeeded his father as Sultan of the Ayyubid dynasty in 1218. His ascension marked a significant transition in leadership following the death of al-Adil. Al-Kamil's rule encompassed several crucial territories, including Egypt and parts of Syria, and he was tasked with maintaining the dynasty's power amidst rising challenges, including threats from both Crusader states and internal factions. His leadership style and strategic decisions would influence the region for years to come.

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Born in 1218

Kujo Yoritsune

Japanese shōgun during Kamakura period
Born
February 12th, 1218 807 years ago
Died
1256 769 years ago — 38 years old

Served as the 3rd shōgun of the Kamakura shogunate from 1228 to 1256. Assumed power at a young age, his rule was characterized by the dominance of the Hojo clan, which served as regents. Oversaw a period of relative stability, although his tenure was marked by the challenges of rival factions within the shogunate. His administration dealt with various political and military issues, including conflicts with the imperial court. Resigned due to growing influence of the regents, reflecting the complexities of shōgunate politics during this era.

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Rudolf I of Germany

Holy Roman Emperor, founder of Habsburg
Born
May 1st, 1218 806 years ago
Died
July 15th, 1291 733 years ago — 73 years old

Rudolf I served as the King of the Romans from 1273 until his death in 1291. He established the Habsburg dynasty and laid the foundation for Habsburg rule in Central Europe. His reign marked a significant consolidation of power in the Holy Roman Empire. Rudolf's election as king ended the interregnum that had plagued Germany for nearly twenty years. He focused on strengthening his family's influence and acquiring lands, notably achieving control over important regions in Austria.

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Emperor Chūkyō of Japan

Japanese Emperor during the Kamakura period
Born
October 30th, 1218 806 years ago
Died
June 18th, 1234 790 years ago — 15 years old

A Japanese emperor who reigned briefly in the early 13th century during the Kamakura period. Ascended to the throne in 1231 and reigned until 1232. Deposed by the powerful Kamakura shogunate, which sought to control imperial authority and governance. After his abdication, spent the remainder of life in seclusion in a temple. His short reign marked a time of political transition and the consolidation of military power in Japan.

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Kujō Yoritsune

Japanese shōgun during Kamakura period
Born
1218 807 years ago
Died
September 1st, 1256 768 years ago — 38 years old

Served as the eighth shōgun of the Kamakura shogunate. Leadership began in 1246 at a young age. The period was marked by the increasing influence of the Hojo family, who held actual power while Yoritsune was primarily a figurehead. His reign saw political strife and challenges against the shogunate's authority. Resigned in 1252 due to internal power struggles; subsequently, he lived the remainder of life in relative obscurity until death in 1256.

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Thomas de Cantilupe

Bishop and saint associated with England
Born
1218 807 years ago
Died
August 25th, 1282 742 years ago — 64 years old

Served as Bishop of Hereford from 1275 until death in 1282. Played a significant role in ecclesiastical politics during the reign of King Edward I. Participated in various church councils and was known for his commitment to the rights of the Church. Canonized as a saint in 1320 by Pope John XXII, reflecting his influence and legacy within the Church.

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Abel

King of Denmark, ruled in the 13th century
Born
1218 807 years ago
Died
June 29th, 1252 772 years ago — 34 years old

Ruled as King of Denmark from 1250 until death in 1252. His reign followed the tumultuous period marked by rivalries in the Danish royal family. Ascended to the throne after the death of his brother, Christopher I. Faced challenges related to governance and territorial disputes. His short reign ended when he died in battle against the rebel militia at Ebeltoft, leading to a power struggle and eventual instability within the kingdom.

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People Who Died in 1218 (View all 7)

Hugh I

King of Cyprus with Crusader ties
Died
January 10th, 1218 807 years ago — None years old

Ruled as the first King of Cyprus from 1194 until death in 1218. His reign followed the establishment of the Kingdom of Cyprus after the Crusades. Hugh's leadership facilitated the continued presence of Latin Christianity in the region. Under his rule, significant developments occurred in the administration and governance, which laid the groundwork for the island's future as a feudal state. Engagements in military campaigns during the Crusades characterized his kingship, highlighting his role in both securing and expanding the territory.

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Konstantin of Rostov

Prince and Bishop of Rostov
Born
May 18th, 1186 838 years ago
Died
February 2nd, 1218 807 years ago — 31 years old

Served as a prince of Rostov during the 12th century and became a bishop later in life. His leadership included the establishment of ecclesiastical and administrative control in the region. The bishopric contributed to the growth of the Orthodox Church in northeastern Rus, fostering religious and cultural development.

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Berthold V

Duke of Zähringen
Born
1160 865 years ago
Died
February 18th, 1218 807 years ago — 58 years old

Duke of Zähringen ruled during the late 12th and early 13th centuries. Expanded the territory and influence of the Zähringen dynasty in the region that is now southwestern Germany. Played a significant role in the politics of the Holy Roman Empire, engaging in relationships with powerful families and supporting various political alignments. His rule helped shape the foundation of several towns including Freiburg and Bern. Established the city of Bern in 1191, which became an important regional center.

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Otto IV

Holy Roman Emperor, King of Germany
Died
May 19th, 1218 806 years ago — None years old

Ascended to the throne as Holy Roman Emperor in 1209 after a tumultuous election period. Ruled during a time marked by internal power struggles and conflicts with the Church and other European monarchs. Governed a fragmented empire and faced challenges from rival factions. Experienced a decline in power following decisive defeats against his opponents. Also held the title of King of Germany and maintained a complex relationship with the papacy, ultimately leading to excommunication. Died in 1218, leaving a legacy of political strife and territorial disputes.

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Simon de Montfort

French politician, Lord High Steward
Born
1160 865 years ago
Died
June 25th, 1218 806 years ago — 58 years old

5th Earl of Leicester, held significant political power in England during the early 13th century. Led the baronial revolt against King Henry III, challenging the king's authority and demanding reforms. Instrumental in the development of the English Parliament, organizing the first elected body that included commoners, called the Parliament of 1265. His leadership and reforms laid foundations for future parliamentary democracy.

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Odo III

Duke of Burgundy, leader in the region
Born
1166 859 years ago
Died
July 6th, 1218 806 years ago — 52 years old

Served as Duke of Burgundy during the early 13th century. Odo III played a significant role in the political landscape of his time, engaging in regional governance and power struggles. The reign saw involvement in the conflicts of the era, including alliances and rivalries with neighboring territories. Odo III's leadership focused on consolidating power and maintaining the duchy's influence in France and beyond. His rule came to an end with his death in 1218.

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