Year 1086: Key Historical Events
The year 1086 was a notable year in history, marked by significant events across Europe and Asia. This common year, which began on a Thursday in the Julian calendar, witnessed battles, political changes, and the completion of important documents.
Events by Region
Europe
On October 23, the Battle of Sagrajas occurred, where Spanish forces under King Alfonso VI of Castile suffered defeat against the Moors and their allies, the Almoravids. This battle was ordered by Emir Al-Mu’tamid ibn Abbad.
In another significant event, Norman forces led by Count Roger I, known as “Bosso,” successfully conquered Syracuse, effectively ending Muslim control in Sicily.
England
On August 1, King William the Conqueror convened a meeting at Old Sarum, urging his major vassals and tenants-in-chief to pledge their allegiance to him. This gathering is historically known as the Oath of Salisbury.
Moreover, the Domesday Book was completed under William I’s directive. This monumental survey documented the landholdings and resources available throughout England, showcasing an estimated population of 1.25 million citizens, with roughly 10% residing in boroughs.
Seljuk Empire
In the summer, Suleiman ibn Qutulmish, the ruler of the Turks in Rum, was killed in battle against Emir Tutush I near Antioch. Following this event, Suleiman’s 7-year-old son, Kilij Arslan I, was captured and taken to Isfahan.
Additionally, Sultan Malik-Shah I initiated the reconstruction of the Imam Ali Mosque in Najaf, Iraq, after it had been destroyed by fire.
Important Religious Events
On May 24, Pope Victor III was elected as the 158th pope of the Catholic Church, although he did not formally accept the election until the following year, 1087.
Notable Births
- April 24: Ramiro II (“the Monk”), king of Aragon (d. 1157)
- August 11: Henry V, Holy Roman Emperor (d. 1125)
- August 20: Bolesław III Wrymouth, duke of Poland (d. 1138)
- al-Shahrastani: Persian scholar and historian (d. 1153)
- Þorlákur Runólfsson: Icelandic bishop (d. 1133)
- Vicelinus: bishop of Oldenburg in Holstein (d. 1154)
- Zhang Jun: Chinese general and official (d. 1154)
Notable Deaths
- March 15: Richilde, countess and regent of Flanders
- March 18: Anselm of Lucca, Italian bishop (b. 1036)
- May 21: Wang Anshi, Chinese chancellor (b. 1021)
- July 10: Canute IV (“the Holy”), king of Denmark
- July 14: Toirdelbach Ua Briain, Irish king (b. 1009)
- October 11: Sima Guang, Chinese politician (b. 1019)
- October 23: Rodrigo Muñoz, Galician nobleman
- December 25: Judith of Bohemia, duchess of Poland
- Suleiman ibn Qutulmish: ruler of the Sultanate of Rum, killed in battle
The events of 1086 continue to resonate through history, influencing the political and religious landscapes of Europe and beyond.