Year 1356: A Year of Significance in History
The year 1356 (MCCCLVI) was a leap year that began on a Friday according to the Julian calendar. This year was marked by several notable events across Europe and Asia.
Key Events
- January 20: Edward Balliol surrenders his title as King of Scotland to Edward III of England.
- February: The event known as Burnt Candlemas occurs, where Edward III of England destroys every town and village in Lothian, Scotland.
- June 17: The city of Lwów is granted Magdeburg rights by Casimir III of Poland, enhancing its economic and political status.
- September 19: During the Hundred Years’ War, the Battle of Poitiers takes place, where English forces, led by Edward, the Black Prince, defeat the French, capturing King John II of France.
- October 17: Erik XII declares himself king of Sweden, initiating a civil war against his father, King Magnus IV.
- October 18 (St Luke’s Day): A devastating earthquake strikes Basel, affecting northern Switzerland and resulting in approximately 1,000 deaths.
- December 25: Charles IV, Holy Roman Emperor, issues the Golden Bull, a constitutional charter for his empire.
Other Significant Developments
- The Hanseatic League, a trading alliance among northern European cities, holds its first meeting.
- Sweden issues its first guild privileges for tailors in Stockholm.
- Ghazan II ascends as the ruler of the Ilkhanate in Persia.
- Zhu Yuanzhang captures Nanjing from the Mongol-led Yuan dynasty, which later becomes his power base and the future capital of the Ming dynasty.
- Most of the limestone casing stones of the Great Pyramid of Giza are removed by Bahri Sultan An-Nasir Hasan for construction in Cairo.
- The Castelvecchio Bridge in Verona is likely completed, featuring the world’s longest arch span of 48.7 m (160 ft) at that time.
Notable Births
- July 29: Martin of Aragon (d. 1410)
- Date unknown: Ingegerd Knutsdotter, Swedish abbess (d. 1412)
- Date unknown: Robert IV of Artois, Count of Eu (d. 1387)
Notable Deaths
- June 23: Margaret II, Countess of Hainaut (b. 1311)
- September 19: Killed at the Battle of Poitiers:
- Peter I, Duke of Bourbon (b. 1311)
- Walter VI, Count of Brienne, Constable of France (b. 1304)
- Date unknown: Harihara I, founder of the Vijayanagara Empire
- Date unknown: Zheng Yunduan, Chinese poet (b. c. 1327)
Conclusion
The events of 1356 reflect a period of political change, military conflict, and significant cultural developments across various regions, shaping the course of history in Europe and Asia.