Year 1191 Overview
The year 1191 (MCXCI) was a common year starting on Tuesday in the Julian calendar, marked by significant events throughout various regions, especially during the Third Crusade and noteworthy occurrences in the Byzantine Empire, Europe, and Asia.
Key Events
Byzantine Empire
April 10 – King Richard I (the Lionheart) departs from Messina to Palestine. However, a storm disrupts his fleet, forcing him to take refuge in a Cretan port. Following a tumultuous journey, he arrives in Rhodes, recovering from his seasickness before searching for his sister Joan of England and fiancée Berengaria of Navarre, who are found in Cyprus.
May 8 – Richard I reaches the port of Limassol in Cyprus and demands the release of prisoners held by Isaac Komnenos, the self-proclaimed emperor of Cyprus. After Isaac’s refusal, Richard undertakes military action and takes Limassol with the support of the local populace.
May 12 – Richard I marries Berengaria of Navarre in the Chapel of St. George at Limassol, crowning her as Queen of England. He continues his campaign by seizing Cypriot towns and ports, consolidating his power.
June 1 – Richard defeats Isaac’s forces near Tremithus. Following Isaac’s flight, Richard captures him, leading to his unconditional surrender and the establishment of Richard’s governance over Cyprus.
Third Crusade
February 13 – Muslim forces, led by Saladin, break the siege lines at Acre. Despite challenges, Saladin manages to replenish his garrison.
June 8 – King Richard I arrives at Acre and begins to negotiate with Saladin despite suffering from illness. Tensions rise as the Crusader forces unite in a strategic assault against the city.
July 12 – The siege of Acre concludes with the surrender of the Muslim garrison after significant casualties on both sides. Richard and his allies raise their banners on Acre’s walls.
August 20 – In a brutal act of vengeance, Richard I orders the execution of approximately 3,000 Muslim prisoners captured after the siege, inciting further hostilities.
September 7 – The decisive Battle of Arsuf sees Richard I successfully executing a counterattack against Saladin’s forces, solidifying his reputation as a formidable military leader.
Europe
April 15 – Henry VI, newly crowned Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, begins a campaign in Apulia but faces resistance.
August – Forces under Margaritus of Brindisi score a victory against the Pisan fleet during the siege of Naples, shifting the balance of power in the region.
Asia
November 13 – The Battle of Tarain results in a defeat for Sultan Muhammad of Ghor against Rajput forces, impacting the balance of power in northern India.
Births and Deaths
Notable Births
- February 8 – Yaroslav II, Grand Prince of Vladimir (d. 1246)
- Geoffrey de Mandeville, English nobleman (approximate date)
- George IV, king of Georgia (d. 1223)
Significant Deaths
- January 20 – Frederick VI, son of Frederick I (Barbarossa) (b. 1167)
- March 20 – Clement III, pope of the Catholic Church (b. 1130)
- October 15 – Raoul I (the Red), French nobleman
In Fiction
The events of the acclaimed Ubisoft video game Assassin’s Creed are set in this year, alongside the 1938 film The Adventures of Robin Hood, which claims to depict this historical context.
This year, 1191, stands as a remarkable chapter in history, showcasing the intertwining of politics, warfare, and culture across continents.