What Happened This Year 1279

Historical Events from This Year 1279

Military & Warfare

Mongol Victory at the Battle of Yamen

March 19th, 1279 745 years ago

The Battle of Yamen marked the end of the Song dynasty as Mongol forces overwhelmed the Song navy in a decisive engagement. Located in Guangdong province, this conflict was significant as it highlighted the Mongol Empire's dominance in China and their military prowess. The Song fleet, commanded by General Zhang Shijie, faced an enormous Mongol armada led by the Kublai Khan's forces, resulting in the annihilation of the Song naval power. This pivotal battle solidified Mongol control of China and led to the establishment of the Yuan dynasty.

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Religion & Philosophy

Foundation of Nichiren Shōshū Buddhism

October 12th, 1279 745 years ago

In Japan, Nichiren Shōshū Buddhism was established by Nichiren Daishonin as a distinct sect. This development arose from the teachings of Nichiren, who emphasized the Sutra of the Lotus Flower as the central focus of practice. The newly founded sect aimed to propagate these teachings, which stressed devotion to the teachings of the Lotus Sutra and sought to offer both spiritual guidance and a path to enlightenment. The foundations of this branch significantly influenced Japanese Buddhism, cementing its paths toward dedicated practices.

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Born in 1279

Al-Nuwayri

Egyptian Muslim historian and scholar
Born
April 5th, 1279 745 years ago
Died
1333 692 years ago — 54 years old

A prominent historian and scholar active during the 14th century in Egypt. Authored the comprehensive work 'Nihayat al-Arab fi Funun al-Adab', which encompasses various topics including history, geography, and literature. This encyclopedic writing synthesized knowledge of many earlier scholars and contributed significantly to the fields of historiography and Arabic literature. Al-Nuwayri's work captured a wealth of information on the cultural, political, and social aspects of his time, reflecting the rich intellectual tradition of the period.

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People Who Died in 1279 (View all 7)

Afonso III of Portugal

King of Portugal and Algarve
Born
May 5th, 1210 814 years ago
Died
February 16th, 1279 746 years ago — 68 years old

Ruled as King of Portugal from 1248 until death in 1279. Expanded the territory significantly, particularly through the conquest of the Algarve. Consolidated royal authority and established the Kingdom's administrative structure, contributing to the centralization of governance. Promoted the growth of the Portuguese economy and the establishment of trade routes. His reign marked a significant period in the development of the Portuguese state.

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Jeanne of Dammartin

Queen consort of Castile and León
Born
1216 809 years ago
Died
March 16th, 1279 745 years ago — 63 years old

Served as Queen consort of Castile and León during the 13th century. Married to King Alfonso X, played a significant role in the political landscape of the Iberian Peninsula at the time. Her marriage helped to strengthen ties between various territories and contributed to the lineage of future monarchs. Passed away in 1279, leaving a legacy intertwined with the royal family of Castile.

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Zhao Bing

Chinese emperor during the Song Dynasty
Born
1271 754 years ago
Died
March 19th, 1279 745 years ago — 8 years old

Ascended to the throne at a young age during the late Song Dynasty, faced significant challenges against the Mongol invasions. Zhao Bing's reign was marked by a struggle to maintain control amidst political turmoil and military conflict. His rule ended when his forces were defeated, leading to the fall of the Southern Song Dynasty. Following the defeat, Zhao Bing's life ended tragically, reflecting the broader collapse of the dynasty.

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Bolesław the Pious

Duke of Greater Poland, Poland's ruler
Born
1224 801 years ago
Died
April 14th, 1279 745 years ago — 55 years old

A member of the Piast dynasty, this ruler governed Greater Poland during the 13th century. Ascending to the throne in 1239, he played a significant role in the political landscape of Poland. His reign was marked by efforts to stabilize and strengthen the duchy amidst regional conflicts. He participated in the construction of churches, promoting Christianity in the region. His legacy includes the establishment of various institutions that contributed to the governance of the area.

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Robert Kilwardby

English cardinal and scholar
Born
1215 810 years ago
Died
September 11th, 1279 745 years ago — 64 years old

Kilwardby served as a theologian and was appointed Cardinal by Pope Gregory X. He contributed significantly to the development of scholastic thought in the 13th century. He was also the Archbishop of Canterbury, a position he held from 1273 until his death. His leadership during this period influenced ecclesiastical politics and academic discourse in England. As a scholar, his works on logic and philosophy were significant in the context of medieval intellectual history.

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Bolesław V

High Duke of Poland
Born
1226 799 years ago
Died
December 7th, 1279 745 years ago — 53 years old

High Duke of Poland from the Piast dynasty, held power during a time of territorial conflict and political restructuring. Ruled from 1243 until death in 1279, Bolesław V worked to consolidate and strengthen the Polish state. He participated in the struggles against the Mongol invasions, which threatened the stability of the region. His reign saw the reinvigoration of Poland's political structure and relations with neighboring regions.

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