Year 1251: A Year of Turmoil and Change
The year 1251 (MCCLI) marked a significant chapter in medieval history, characterized by political upheaval, cultural milestones, and notable births and deaths. This common year began on a Sunday according to the Julian calendar, setting the stage for a year filled with impactful events across Europe and Asia.
Events by Place
Europe
- April – The first Shepherds’ Crusade takes place, representing a domestic uprising in France in reaction to the events unfolding in Egypt during the Seventh Crusade.
- May – English governor Simon de Montfort quells a revolt in Gascony, maintaining control in the region.
- December 26 – A significant marriage occurs when King Alexander III of Scotland weds Margaret, daughter of King Henry III of England, leading to a looming power struggle between the two crowns.
- Andrew de Longjumeau, an ambassador sent by King Louis IX of France to the Mongols, meets the king in Palestine. His mission, however, is deemed a failure.
- Mindaugas of Lithuania is baptized, paving the way for his coronation as King of Lithuania in 1253.
- Alexander Nevsky signs the first peace treaty between Kievan Rus’ and Norway.
- King Conrad IV of Germany launches an invasion of Italy but is unable to defeat the supporters of Pope Innocent IV.
- Ottokar II of Bohemia is elected as the Duke of Austria.
- The earliest known manuscript of The Proverbs of Alfred, a collection of sayings attributed to Alfred the Great of England, is recorded.
Asia
- April 21 – The city of Launggyet in Arakan (modern-day Burma) is founded, according to some historical sources.
- July 1 – Möngke Khan is elected as the fourth great Khan of the Mongol Empire.
- The completion of carving the Tripitaka Koreana, a monumental collection of Buddhist scriptures recorded on approximately 81,000 wooden blocks.
Births
- June 5 – Birth of Hōjō Tokimune, who will later serve as the 8th regent of the Kamakura shogunate (d. 1284).
- September 2 – Birth of Francis of Fabriano, an Italian writer (d. 1322).
- November 1 – Birth of Leopold III, Duke of Austrian (d. 1386).
- Birth of Adelaide, Countess of Auxerre, a notable French noblewoman (d. 1290).
Deaths
- January – Death of Bohemund V of Antioch.
- February 9 – Matthias II, Duke of Lorraine, passes away.
- March 6 – The death of Rose of Viterbo, an Italian saint (b. 1235).
- March 31 – Death of William of Modena, Bishop of Modena.
- June 6 – William III of Dampierre, Count of Flanders, dies.
- Winter 1251–52 – The Mongol commander of Persia, Eljigidei, is killed.
- Death of Isobel of Huntingdon, a Scots noblewoman (b. 1199).
- Death of Oghul Qaimish, the 3rd regent of the Mongol Empire, after her husband’s demise.
This year stands out not only for its political and military developments but also for the cultural shifts and the significant transitions in leadership that would shape the future of nations.