What Happened This Year 1240

Born in 1240

Margaret of England

Queen consort of Scots
Born
September 29th, 1240 784 years ago
Died
February 26th, 1275 750 years ago — 34 years old

Margaret served as the queen consort of Scotland from 1286 until her death in 1290. She married King Alexander III of Scotland in 1285, strengthening ties between England and Scotland. Following the king's untimely death, her claim to the Scottish throne came into focus during a succession crisis. Her life was marked by significant political maneuvering and her role in the dynastic struggles of the time. Despite her early death, she played a pivotal role in the political landscape of Scotland.

Continue Reading

Trần Thánh Tông

Emperor of Đại Việt during 13th century
Born
October 12th, 1240 784 years ago
Died
1290 735 years ago — 50 years old

Ruled from 1258 to 1278, focusing on strengthening the state of Đại Việt against external threats, particularly from the Mongol invasions. Under leadership, the military effectively repelled invasions in 1258 and 1288, achieving significant victories at the battles of Bạch Đằng River. Promoted agricultural development and fostered cultural growth, including the establishment of Confucianism as the state ideology.

Continue Reading

Magnus III

King of Sweden during the 13th century
Born
1240 785 years ago
Died
December 18th, 1290 734 years ago — 50 years old

Reigned as king of Sweden from 1275 until death in 1290. Faced challenges in maintaining control over the kingdom amidst conflicts with neighboring regions and internal disputes. His reign was marked by attempts to consolidate power and strengthen the monarchy. Engaged in military campaigns to expand territory and influence, striving to establish a lasting legacy. Promoted Christianity and worked to integrate various cultural elements within the realm.

Continue Reading

Conrad de Lichtenberg

Bishop of Strasbourg
Born
1240 785 years ago
Died
August 1st, 1299 725 years ago — 59 years old

Served as the Bishop of Strasbourg during the late 13th century. Played a significant role in the ecclesiastical and political matters of the region. Oversaw the construction of the Strasbourg Cathedral, which became a prominent symbol of Gothic architecture. Promoted the religious and community life within the bishopric, maintaining a balance between secular and ecclesiastical interests.

Continue Reading

Benedict XI

Pope with papal bull addressing issues
Born
1240 785 years ago
Died
July 7th, 1304 720 years ago — 64 years old

Served as pope from 1303 until death in 1304. Undertook efforts to resolve conflicts within the church and restore unity after a period of strife and political maneuvering. Issued several significant papal bulls that addressed matters of church governance and jurisdiction. His brief papacy also focused on maintaining peace with various factions within Christendom and addressing the challenges posed by secular rulers. Worked towards a conciliatory relationship with the Franciscan Order concerning the controversy surrounding poverty.

Continue Reading

Siger of Brabant

Dutch philosopher and scholastic thinker
Born
1240 785 years ago
Died
November 9th, 1284 740 years ago — 44 years old

Siger of Brabant was a prominent philosopher associated with the School of Paris during the 13th century. He contributed significantly to the development of Aristotelian thought in a scholastic context. Active in his philosophical pursuits, he engaged in the debates surrounding the relationship between faith and reason, as well as the nature of the soul and its immortality. He faced scrutiny from contemporary authorities for his views and was later condemned by the Bishop of Paris. His works influenced later scholastics and his ideas contributed to the intellectual currents of the time.

Continue Reading