12th century

Millennium: 2nd millennium
Centuries: 11th century · 12th century · 13th century
Decades: 1100s 1110s 1120s 1130s 1140s
1150s 1160s 1170s 1180s 1190s
Categories: Births – Deaths
Establishments – Disestablishments
See also: Christianity in the 12th century and Renaissance of the 12th century

As a means of recording the passage of time, the 12th century is the period from 1101 to 1200 in accordance with the Julian calendar in the Christian/Common Era. In the history of European culture, this period is considered part of the High Middle Ages and is sometimes called the Age of the Cistercians. In Song Dynasty China an invasion by Jurchens causes a political schism of north and south. The first ever known use and implementation of gunpowder weapons such as bombs, rockets, and cannons were first recorded in the Song Dynasty. The Khmer Empire of Cambodia flourished during this century, while the Fatimids of Egypt were overtaken by the Ayyubid dynasty.

Contents

Ongoing events

Christian humanism becomes a self-conscious philosophical tendency in Europe. Christianity is introduced to Estonia, Finland, and Karelia. The first European universities are founded. Pierre Abelard teaches. Middle English begins to develop, and literacy begins to spread outside the Church.[1] In addition, churchmen are increasingly willing to take on secular roles- by the end of the century, at least a third of England's bishops also act as royal judges in secular matters.[2] The Ars antiqua period in the history of Western European music begins. Durham Cathedral in England is completed and the earliest recorded miracle play is performed in Dunstable, England. Gothic Architecture and trouvère music begin in France. In the mid-12th century, the Cappella Palatina is built in Palermo, Sicily and the Madrid Skylitzes manuscript illustrates the Synopsis of Histories by John Skylitzes. Fire & plague insurance first become available in Iceland, and the first documented outbreaks of influenza occur. The medieval Serbian state is formed by Stefan Nemanja and continued by the Nemanjić dynasty. By the end of the century, both the Capetian Dynasty and the House of Anjou are relying primarily on mercenaries in their militaries. Paid soldiers are available year-round, unlike knights who expect certain periods off to maintain their manors.[3]

Inventions, discoveries and introductions by year

Political events by year

Significant people

In popular culture

References

  1. ^ King John by Warren. Published by University of California Press in 1961. p. 129
  2. ^ King John by Warren. Published by University of California Press in 1961. p. 159
  3. ^ King John by Warren. Published by University of California Press in 1961. pp. 60-61

Decades and years