The Second millenium

[Vince]

And now it is 1196.

Madoc, son of the late King of Wales, flees to America. For centuries, this legend was used by the English to claim the New World, but no proof of Madoc's existence or voyage exists. The newly-formed United States would later try to locate a Welsh-speaking Indian tribe descended from Madoc's fellow-voyagers, with no success.

William Osbert leads a short, unsuccessful rebellion against the rich in London. Personally loyal to Richard the Lionhearted, he was a tremendous speaker who managed to rally a mob of poor folk to his cause. He was quickly killed, and the revolt ended. Later that year, an epidemic and a famine break out in England.

Sverker II peacefully inherits the throne of Sweden. But his sons will later revolt; he will kill three, and one will kill him and take the throne.

On December 6, the Netherlands is hit by the Saint Nicholas Flood. Large areas of the north are destroyed, and the geography is actually re-arranged.

 

[Vince]

Oh thank Heaven , it's 1197! Actually, it's a pretty bad year.

In modern Peru, Indians found the Kingdom of Cusco. Beginning as a small city-state, it expands over the centuries before being absorbed into the Inca Empire.

A gigantic fire destroys a large section of Constantinople.

Genghis Khan, leader of a small vassal tribe, wins his first victory over a rival tribe. Although a minor event, it cements some alliances and some permanent rivalries among the Mongols.

Genoa, Italy, seizes Corfu, a large island off Greece's west coast.

Moslem pirates raid Toulon, a city on France's southern coast.

Excessive rain in western Europe causes a harvest failure, and a major famine results.

 

[Vince]

And now it is 1198.

Innocent III begins his eighteen year reign as Pope. He would become one of history’s most powerful and murderous Popes, claiming sovereignty over all European kings, organizing a Crusade to massacre the Albigenses, and sending the Fourth Crusade to Egypt.
The Albigenses were a Gnostic sect of Christians who rejected the authority of the Pope and the King of France. Centered in southwestern France in lands ruled by local nobles, they provided an excuse for a French invasion. About 20,000 civilians, many of them Catholic, were massacred in a twenty year long Crusade that brought the entire area under the control of the King of France.
When Egyptian Christians and Moslems made a truce, he travelled through Europe raising money and support for the Fourth Crusade to massacre Egyptian Moslems. After sacking one Italian city, they sacked Constantinople instead. Pope Innocent had not given them permission for either attack. But he took advantage of the situation to try to force the Orthodox Church to submit to him. Although Constantinople was ruled by the Catholic “Latin Empire” for the next sixty years, the Orthodox Church never submitted.

In central Europe, Bohemia becomes an independent kingdom. It will exist for 720 years, with changing borders and governments, and will sometimes be absorbed by other nations. In 1918, it will form the basis of the new nation of Czechoslovakia.

 

[Vince]

We're still here in the year 1198.

Tsuchimikado begins his twelve year reign as Emperor of Japan. He literally accomplishes nothing, as his father, Go-Toba, remains the real Emperor. Go-Toba manages to keep peace with the military rulers, perhaps preventing a civil war when their leader is assassinated. He eventually persuades Tsuchimikado to abdicate in favor of his younger brother.

The Crusader Kingdom of Antioch grants major trading right to Genoa, Italy. Large numbers of Italian merchants soon establish major trading facilities in the Holy Land as a result.

Now at war with France, Richard the Lionhearted is desperate for tax money. So he introduces a new government seal, declares that all contracts with the old seal are invalid, and commands everyone to pay for a new contract with the new seal.

 

[Vince]

1199 is a bad year for lionhearted kings who levy heavy taxes.

While waging war against Norman rebels in France, Richard the Lionhearted is shot with a crossbow by a boy whose father and two brothers Richard had killed. Before dying from gangrene poisoning, Richard pardons the boy and sends him home.

John Lackland, the much-maligned brother of Richard, now becomes King of England.

 

[Vince]

Finally! We are in the thirteenth century! Welcome to 1200 AD!

About this time, the Inca Empire begins in the mountains of Peru. Over the centuries, it will become the largest empire in the Americas.

About this time, in central Mexico, the Chichimecas, a coalition of northern tribes, conquer what remains of the once-mighty Toltec Empire.

The population of Canada has been steadily increasing, as dozens of tribes have established trade routes that reach from the Pacific to the Atlantic. Referring to themselves as “The First People,” the Canadian Indians are mostly nomadic hunters with a few permanent settlements.

Having divided Poland among various royal sons, the nation is now fragmented and without a King. This is bad news, as the Mongols are heading towards eastern Europe.

The Philippines, a large group of islands off the Asian coast, have developed an extensive porcelain industry, trading with China, India, the Arabs, and even the Europeans. During this century, the southern Philippines will receive large numbers of immigrants from Borneo.

 

[Vince]

We're still in the year 1200.

The Iroquois ("Builders of Long Houses") are a confederation of tribes in southern Canada and the northern United States. They strove to have harmony within their nation, while uniting for warfare against others. As such, they were one of the very few warlike American Indians. This year, they invade Ohio, driving two resident tribes out. The other two tribes them migrate west of the Mississippi River. Opposed by the large but peaceful Hurons, the Iroquois improve their skill at warfare. Centuries later, they will ally with the English and help drive the French Empire out of the Americas. There are about 100,000 Iroquois today.

The Mongols invade and seize northern China. Generally, historians are not impressed with Genghis Khan. His vast empire was controlled through fear, rather than through just laws that would have inspired loyalty. Scientific and cultural advancement almost stopped in areas that the Mongols controlled. With all their faults, most great empires do produce some benefits to humanity; the Mongols are an exception.

 

[Vince]

Welcome to 1201!

Desperately needing revenue, England's King John starts taxing exports--a bad idea since exports provide foreign currency and provide jobs at home. He also starts using trade as an economic weapon against France and Flanders.

In Constantinople, John the Fat seizes part of the palace and is crowned Emperor. In a surprise move, the Byzantine navy lands behind him, seizes the rooms that he holds, and executes him.

The Crusaders still hold three seaport kingdoms, as well as most of the Kingdom of Jerusalem (though not Jerusalem itself). And so the Fourth Crusade is organized.

 

[Vince]

1202 is a year of disgrace, as the Fourth Crusade begins. Starting out as a quest to defeat Islam, the Crusaders sack the Catholic city of Zadar. Zadar is located in Dalmatia, east of Italy, and Venice wanted to seize it for a seaport.

In eastern Europe, Genghis Khan conquers and absorbs the Tatars. A Turkish group, the Tatars later form "The Golden Horde," a blend of Turks and Mongolians that are strongly loyal to the Mongol Empire. Still in existence, this group is known today as "Tartars."

In northeastern Turkey, Georgia wins another victory over the Moslems, securing their own borders but gaining little else.

Ever heard of Leonardo Fibonacci? His famous work on the Indians numbering system becomes a major step in moving Europe away from Roman Numerals. His work is published this year, in MCCII. The single biggest advantage of the Indian system? It includes the number "0."

Syria has an earthquake.

 

[Vince]

1202 is another bizarre year.

France conquers Normandy and expels the English. If you have a long memory, you remember that Normandy had conquered England, but then rebelled when their rulers moved to England and ruled from there. Humorously enough, the Norman Conquest has never ended: England is still ruled by a government that the Normans set up.

Alexios IV is the son of the deposed Byzantine Emperor, now living safely in the Holy Roman Empire. He promises the Catholic Church that if they will put him on the Byzantine throne, he will pay them a huge amount, support the Fourth Crusade, and bring the Orthodox Church under the authority of the Pope. The Crusaders agree to help, and then conquer Constantinople, putting the unpopular Alexios on the throne. Nearly bankrupt from their wars with the Moslems, Byzantium cannot keep its promises, conflict breaks out, and the Crusaders arrest Alexios five months later, eventually having him killed in prison.

Georgia continues its success. Last year they had defeated the Moslems and secured their borders. This year they defeat a Moslem coalition.

The Unitarians (Moslem rulers of north Africa) invade the Balearic Islands off the eastern coast of Spain.

 

[Vince]

Whoops! Last year was 1203, but I incorrectly labeled it 1202. However, all the information is correct for 1203. And now,

Welcome to 1204!

A high-ranking nobleman known as Alexios the Sullen betrays and murders his way to the Byzantine throne. Still holding part of Constantinople, he wages war against the Crusaders, but they eventually take the entire city. He is executed next year.

To the surprise of the Byzantine Empire, the Fourth Crusade has attacked Constantinople and seized it. After sacking the city for three days, the Crusaders make Baldwin, one of their leaders, the new Emperor. Thus, the Latin Empire begins its 57 year history. Eventually, the Byzantines recapture the city and expel the Crusaders. Rejecting the idea that the Orthodox and Catholic Churches were still the same religion, this action strengthened the breach between the two and reduced the threat to Islam.

Escaped Byzantine rulers found some small Byzantine kingdoms in areas where government has collapsed.

Back in England, Jersey and Guernsey, two islands south of Britain, vote to remain with England even though Normandy has been captured by the French.

Haakon the Ferocious places a four year old on the throne of Norway and declares himself regent. The child dies several months alter, and civil war resumes.

 

[Vince]

1205

About this time, the great Arab scientist and engineer Al-Jazari draws up plans for a programmable robot. Although he never got past the design on paper, it is the first known scientific (there had been magical designs before this) attempt to build a robot.

In northern Africa, the Monotheists expand eastward, capturing Tripoli, a major seaport.

After defeating two rivals in battle, Theodore I becomes Emperor of what is left of the Byzantine Empire.

Fearing a French invasion, England's King John requires every English Male twelve and older to receive military training.

 

[Vince]

1206 is a great year for Mongolians.

Genghis Khan begins his rapid expansion of the Mongolian Empire, which under his sons, will become the largest land empire in history. Surprisingly, he is not regarded by historians as a great history-maker. The Mongol Empire collapses rather rapidly, although parts of it survive for more than four centuries.

The great Moslem scientist and engineer Al-Jazari publishes “The Book of Knowledge of Ingenious Mechanical Devices,” which describes 100 actual working machines, many of which he had invented or improved upon.

Lasting for 84 years, the Slave Dynasty is founded in northern India. It is ruled by former Moslem slaves who are now military leaders. They will raid central India and even conquer some territory before they collapse in 1290.

It's also a good year for the Catholic Church. Though never ordained a priest, Saint Francis of Assisi founds his first order of friars. And what, pray tell, is a friar? Set up like monks, friars work publicly (rather than live in a monastery). They minister to the poor, teach in schools, serve in churches where there are no other priests available, etc. Francis will later invent manger scenes for Christmas.

And Saint Dominic claims that the Virgin Mary has handed him a set of Rosary Beads. Dominic's followers will later become leaders in the Inquisition, and a century later they will claim that Dominic had also participated. But official records do not mention him.

 

[Vince]

Welcome to 1207

Japan begins a minor persecution of Buddhists who teach a simpler version of their religion to the common people.

England's King John expels some monks from Canterbury for not supporting the archbishop King John had appointed.

 

[Vince]

And now it is 1208.


One of Iceland's most powerful chieftains was a devout Catholic who wrote the hymn “Hear, Heavenly Creator.” This Icelandic classic is still sung today. Feeling that he should control Icelandic Catholicism, he and a small group of men advanced on the bishop's house, demanding that he turn over some priests that they were angry with. The bishop refused, and the chieftain was killed in the fight that followed.

Pope Innocent III begins a crusade against the Catharii and the Waldensians. The Wandensians SEEM to be a blend of Catholic, Baptist, fundamentalist, and other beliefs. They SEEM to be a blend of an older group and the followers of Peter Waldo. It does appear that they actually were born-again Christians who did not all believe exactly the same thing.

Also called the “Vaudois,” the Waldensians often blended into various Protestant congregations after the Reformation. They survive today in Italy as the Waldensian Evangelical Church, with about 30,000 members. They have close ties with the Calvinists, Methodists, and Assemblies of God denominations in Italy. Other congregations exist in the US and South America.

Pope innocent III also places England under an interdict, refusing many of the sacraments, because King John supports a rival archbishop of Canterbury. Generally, the interdict is ignored.

A massive, four day long fire breaks out in Hangzhou, the capital of China.

On the eastern shore of the Baltic Sea, northeast of Germany, is Estonia, the only non-Christianized part of Europe. The Crusaders begin nineteen years of raids and invasions, eventually conquering the area.

 

[Vince]

1209

Pope Innocent III begins a twenty year bloodbath known as the Albigensian Crusade. Operated mostly by the French Crown, it sought to force the semi-independent areas of southern France into submission. Demanding that the Catholic Church end its corruption and wealth, the Albigensians taught a combination of Christianity, Catholicism, Manicheanism, and Gnosticism.

While most Catholics refused to join, they sympathized with the moral lives of the Albigensians and their preaching against the immorality of the Catholic clergy. Because the Inquisition destroyed all records except its own, it is difficult to determine exactly what these people believed.

Authorized by the Pope to steal any property belonging to any Albigensians they murdered, French noblemen began killing all of their opponents regardless of their religion. The Dominican Order personally conducted what later became the Inquisition against them.

The first Crusade against the Albigensians massacred a city of Catholics and Albigensians who refused to surrender, killing between fifteen and twenty thousand. Most cities then surrendered without a fight but later revolted. In another town, the entire population of 7,000 was executed. Eventually, the entire region was brought under the Crown's control and the Albigensians were exterminated.

 

[AirDancer]

Also in 1209:

Scotland's William I and King John of England signed the Treaty of Norham, which stopped the building of the Treedmouth fort by the English. This fort was positioned above the key Scots port of Berwick-upon-Tweed, and presented quite the threat to the Scots. It was a costly treaty, however, for the Scots: the payment of 10,000 Pounds to the English, as well as the surrender of William's 2 daughters to King John. Later, John saw to it the 2 girls married Englishmen: Margaret, to Hubert de Burgh, Earl of Kent; and Isabella, to Roger Bigod, 4th Earl of Norfolk.

 

[Vince]

As AirDancer has realized, so much happened in 1209 that we have to go back.

Geghis Khan invades West Xia, one of the rival Chinese dynasties that claimed to be the "true" China. The Xians just won't give up, resisting so fiercely that later the Mongols had to destroy their capital.

In Dublin, Ireland, "Black Monday" occurs. A large group of English immigrants leaves the city to celebrate Easter Monday in the woods, when they are massacred by the Irish. About 500 worshipers are killed.

After a dispute with the townsfolk of Oxford, a group of their scholars leave and form Cambridge University. It is the third-oldest university in the world.

 

[Vince]

Welcome to 1210.

Mongol invaders start heading southward, towards India. But a former slave founds the Delhi Sultanate in northern India. Surviving until 1526, it will rule all of northern and central India at its height, and it will repeatedly defeat the Mongols.

It's a rough year for Pope Innocent III. He excommunicates the Holy Roman Emperor for invading southern Italy, and King John of England (whom Innocent had already excommunicated) raises a fortune by taxing the Catholic Church in England.

About this time, "Tristan," an epic love story about one of the Knights of the Round Table, is put into writing.

 

[Vince]

1211 has a lot of variety.

Lý Huệ Tông begins his hapless thirteen year reign as King of Vietnam. He eventually goes insane, appoints his seven year old daughter as Empress, and retires.

Over eighty Waldensians are burned at the stake in northeastern France.

Genghis Khan leads his armies into Jin, a large nation that claims to be the true China. He wins two major battles and lays siege to their capital.