What Happened This Year 1359

Historical Events from This Year 1359

Military & Warfare

Francesco II Ordelaffi Surrenders to Papal Forces

July 4th, 1359 665 years ago

Francesco II Ordelaffi, the Lord of Forlì, capitulated to the Papal commander Gil de Albornoz after a sustained siege. This event unfolded in the city of Forlì in Romagna, Italy, during a period marked by Papal efforts to consolidate power in the region. The surrender followed a lengthy conflict, reflecting the strategic maneuverings between local lords and papal authority. Albornoz's forces effectively surrounded the city, leading to a loss of morale among Ordelaffi's troops, which precipitated the terms of surrender.

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Military & Warfare

Aragonese Victory Against Castilian Cavalry

September 22nd, 1359 665 years ago

A smaller Aragonese cavalry force, under the command of King Peter IV of Aragon, achieved a remarkable victory over a larger Castilian cavalry contingent during a skirmish known as the Battle of Araviana. This battle took place during the ongoing War of the Two Peters, a conflict fueled by territorial disputes and royal claims between the Kingdoms of Aragon and Castile. The Aragonese forces utilized superior tactics and knowledge of the terrain to outmaneuver their Castilian foes, thereby ensuring a crucial strategic advantage in the conflict.

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Politics & Government

Peter I Becomes King of Cyprus

November 24th, 1359 665 years ago

Peter I of Cyprus ascended the throne following the abdication of his father, Hugh IV. This transition marked a significant shift in leadership for the kingdom. As Hugh IV stepped down, he passed the responsibilities of governance to Peter, who faced immediate challenges to unify the nobility and maintain stability. The ascension took place in Nicosia, the capital of Cyprus, where Peter had to assert his authority amidst political intrigues.

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Born in 1359

Emperor Go-En'yū of Japan

Emperor of Japan during the Ashikaga period
Born
January 11th, 1359 666 years ago
Died
1393 632 years ago — 34 years old

Born in 1359, ascended the throne in 1371 as the 98th emperor of Japan during the Ashikaga shogunate. His reign was marked by the continued influence of the shogunal government and the cultural developments of the period. The emperor remained a symbolic figure while real power was held by the shogunate. Go-En'yū played a role in the imperial court's dynamics and preservation of traditional Japanese culture during a time of political fragmentation. His reign lasted until 1382, after which he continued to be influential in the imperial succession.

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Antonio Correr

Italian cardinal, contributed to the papacy
Born
July 15th, 1359 665 years ago
Died
1445 580 years ago — 86 years old

Born in 1359, served as a cardinal in the Roman Catholic Church. Correr was heavily involved in church governance and played significant roles in ecclesiastical politics during the late 14th century. His contributions were pivotal in various papal elections and church councils. Correr was a part of the proceedings that established the authority of the papacy during a tumultuous time for the church.

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Jan van Eyck

Dutch painter of the Ghent Altarpiece
Born
1359 666 years ago
Died
July 9th, 1441 583 years ago — 82 years old

A prominent early Netherlandish painter, widely recognized for contributions to oil painting techniques. Van Eyck's work established a high level of detail and realism in art. His most notable piece, the Ghent Altarpiece, is celebrated for its intricate detail and sophisticated use of color. Active in the 15th century, he worked for various patrons across the region, significantly influencing future generations of artists with innovations in oil blending and glazing. Van Eyck's style laid the foundation for the Northern Renaissance.

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People Who Died in 1359

Erik Magnusson

King of Sweden in the 14th century
Born
1339 686 years ago
Died
June 21st, 1359 665 years ago — 20 years old

Ruled as king during the early 14th century and played a significant role in the consolidation of power in Sweden. His reign was marked by conflicts with rival factions and attempts to strengthen the monarchy. The period saw ongoing struggles with Norway and Denmark, influencing regional politics. Erik Magnusson also actively engaged in diplomatic maneuvers to establish alliances through marriage and treaties. His reign ended with his death in 1359.

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Hugh IV of Cyprus

King of Cyprus
Born
1295 730 years ago
Died
October 10th, 1359 665 years ago — 64 years old

Ruled as King of Cyprus from 1324 to 1359. Succeeded his father, Henry II, in a politically challenging era marked by conflicts with the Genoese and internal strife. Enhanced royal authority and consolidated the kingdom. Established alliances through strategic marriages and diplomatic efforts. Fostered the development of the island's economy and cultural life, contributing to the Mediterranean's feudal landscape. Died without a male heir, leading to a succession crisis.

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Beatrice of Castile

Queen Consort of Portugal
Born
1293 732 years ago
Died
October 25th, 1359 665 years ago — 66 years old

Married to King Afonso IV of Portugal, contributed to the political alliance between Castile and Portugal. Oversaw royal affairs and supported her husband's reign during a tumultuous period marked by conflicts with the nobility. Her marriage solidified ties between the two kingdoms and influenced political stability in the region.

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Ivan II of Moscow

Grand Prince of Moscow
Born
March 30th, 1326 698 years ago
Died
November 13th, 1359 665 years ago — 33 years old

Grand Prince of Moscow from 1353 to 1359. Strengthened the principality through military campaigns and strategic marriages. Faced external threats from neighboring principalities and the Golden Horde, reaffirming Moscow's influence. Issued decrees to bolster the administration and economy. Established a foothold for future Moscow rulers during a period of territorial expansion.

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Gregory Palamas

Greek archbishop and theologian
Born
1296 729 years ago
Died
November 14th, 1359 665 years ago — 63 years old

Served as the archbishop of Thessalonica and became a prominent figure in the Byzantine church during the 14th century. Developed the theological doctrine of the essence and energies of God, which distinguished between God's essence and His energies. Engaged in the hesychast controversy, defending the practice of inner stillness and the mystical experience of God. His works contributed significantly to Orthodox Christian theology and spirituality.

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Cangrande II della Scala

Lord of Verona and military leader
Born
1332 693 years ago
Died
December 14th, 1359 665 years ago — 27 years old

Lord of Verona, held power during the early 14th century. Played a significant role in regional politics and military campaigns. Strengthened the Scaliger family's influence in northern Italy. Engaged in conflicts against rival city-states and managed alliances through marriage and diplomacy.

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