Century overview
The world in the 13th century
1201 – 1300. 189 events across 7 regions. Below, the century’s most significant events by region — what each part of the world was doing during the same stretch of time.
Europe
Showing 6 of 127 events from this century
- Sealing of Magna Carta
On 15 June 1215, King John of England sealed Magna Carta at Runnymede in response to a baronial rebellion. The Latin charter guaranteed church rights, protected against illegal imprisonment, and provided for swift justice, but neither side complied, and it was annulled by the pope.
- Mongol invasion of Europe (First invasion, 1236–1242)
Around 1236, the Mongol Empire launched a massive western campaign, historically known as the first invasion of Europe, led by Batu Khan and General Subutai with an army of about 120,000. By 1242, they had destroyed the principalities of Kievan Rus' and Vladimir, and invaded Poland and Hungary, winning the battles of Legnica and Mohi. The conquered territories were integrated into the Golden Horde.
- Founding of Roskilde Cathedral
Roskilde Cathedral was founded and built in the 12th to 13th centuries in Roskilde, Denmark. It is the first Gothic cathedral in Scandinavia and the first brick-built Romanesque structure, later serving as the official royal mausoleum of Danish monarchs.
- Construction of Naumburg Cathedral begins
In the medieval period, construction of Naumburg Cathedral began in present-day Saxony-Anhalt, Germany. Most of the building dates from the 13th century, blending late Romanesque and early Gothic styles; its west choir and donor statues are significant works of medieval art.
- Founding of the Royal Abbey of Saint-Remi
Around the 8th century, Archbishop Tilpin of Reims founded the abbey of Saint-Remi in Reims, France, establishing a Benedictine community. The abbey later became the repository of the holy ampulla used for the anointing of French kings, and experienced notable economic and spiritual growth during the Middle Ages.
- Foundation of Buda Castle
Buda Castle was first completed in the 13th century (around 1265) on Castle Hill in Budapest, built by King Béla IV to defend against Mongol invasions. The castle later underwent multiple reconstructions in Gothic and Baroque styles, serving as the royal palace of Hungary.
West Asia
Showing 6 of 26 events from this century
- Outbreak of the Byzantine–Ottoman wars
Around 1265, the first of a series of military conflicts broke out between the Byzantine Empire and the emerging Ottoman Empire over Anatolia. This clash initiated a war that lasted over two centuries, ultimately leading to the fall of the Byzantine Empire and the rise of the Ottoman Empire.
- Founding of the Ottoman Empire
The Ottoman Empire was founded in 1299 in northwestern Anatolia by Osman I, marking the beginning of the multiethnic, transcontinental empire.
- Construction of Divriği Great Mosque and Hospital
In the 13th century, the Mengujekid dynasty built a mosque and hospital complex in the Anatolian town of Divriği. The building, renowned for its exquisite stone carvings and unique architecture, became one of the most important works in Anatolia and was later inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Founding of Geghard Monastery
Geghard Monastery was founded in the early 13th century in present-day Kotayk Province, Armenia, with parts of the complex being carved directly out of the adjacent mountain. Construction of the main cathedral began in 1215 and continued until 1283. Noted for its rock-cut architecture and rich Christian heritage, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000.
- Foundation of Yivli Minare Mosque and its Külliye
The külliye complex, commissioned by Sultan Kayqubad I of the Sultanate of Rum in the old town center of Antalya, was founded. It included a mosque, a madrasa, a dervish lodge, and a tomb. Its minaret, adorned with dark blue tiles, became a prominent landmark of the city.
- Construction of the Hagia Sophia in Trabzon
The Hagia Sophia in Trabzon was built as a Greek Orthodox church near the Black Sea shore, about two miles west of the medieval town limits of Trabzon, between 1238 and 1263. It is recognized as one of the finest examples of Byzantine architecture and remains one of a few dozen Byzantine sites in the area.
East Asia
Showing 6 of 13 events from this century
- Mongol conquest of China begins
In the early 13th century, the Mongol Empire under Genghis Khan initiated small-scale raids into Western Xia in 1205 and 1207, marking the beginning of a decades-long conquest of China. The conflict later escalated into full-scale campaigns against various Chinese dynasties.
- Carving of the Tripitaka Koreana
The Tripitaka Koreana was carved in the 13th century during the Goryeo dynasty over 16 years. It is one of the most comprehensive Chinese Buddhist canons, housed at Haeinsa Temple in South Korea.
- Construction of Beijing Central Axis Begins
In the 13th century, construction began on a north-south axis running through the heart of Beijing. Laid down as part of the urban plan of Dadu, the capital of the Yuan Dynasty, the axis was later enriched under subsequent dynasties, creating a monumental sequence of imperial palaces, sacrificial structures, and ceremonial spaces that embodied the ideal capital order prescribed in the ancient text known as the Book of Diverse Crafts.
- Outbreak of the Mongol–Jin War
In 1211, Genghis Khan's Mongol Empire launched a war against the Jurchen-led Jin dynasty. The conflict lasted more than twenty years, involving several Mongol commanders, and ended in 1234 with the Mongol conquest of the Jin dynasty, achieved with the assistance of the Southern Song. This completed the Mongol conquest of northern China.
- Founding of Kenchō-ji Temple
In 1253, the Zen temple Kenchō-ji was completed in Kamakura, founded by Chinese Song-dynasty monk Lanxi Daolong at the invitation of Hōjō Tokiyori and constructed by order of Emperor Go-Fukakusa. As the first-ranked temple among Kamakura's Five Great Zen Temples, it became Japan's oldest Zen training monastery. Its name derives from the Kenchō era. The temple precinct was later designated a National Historic Site.
- Battle of Yamen
On 19 March 1279, the naval Battle of Yamen took place. The Yuan fleet defeated the Song navy, destroying the remaining Song forces. The child emperor Zhao Bing and many officials drowned. This last stand marked the fall of the Song dynasty and the unification of China under the Yuan.
North Africa
Showing 6 of 7 events from this century
- Siege of Damietta
The Siege of Damietta (1218–1219) was an engagement of the Fifth Crusade, in which Crusader forces laid siege to the Egyptian port city of Damietta, capturing it on 5 November 1219.
- Construction of the Alhambra begins
In 1232 (or 1238), the Nasrid dynasty of Granada began transforming an older fortress into the Alhambra, with construction underway by 1239. This palace-fortress complex would become a masterpiece of Islamic architecture, incorporating a mosque, palaces, and defenses.
- Founding of the Saffarin Madrasa
The Saffarin Madrasa was founded in the latter part of the 13th century in the old city of Fez, Morocco, by the Marinid Sultan Abu Ya'qub Yusuf. It was the first of many madrasas built by the Marinid dynasty during their reign, located just south of the 9th-century Qarawiyyin Mosque on Saffarin Square.
- Construction of Bab Mahrouk
Bab Mahrouk gate was built in 1204 as the main western gate of Fes el Bali, the old walled city of Fes, Morocco. It stands at the northwestern corner of Place Bou Jeloud, near Kasbah an-Nouar, and historically marked the start of the main street, Tala'a Kebira.
- Eighth Crusade
In 1270, the Crusaders reached Tunis, where King Louis IX soon died of illness and little fighting occurred. A Treaty of Tunis was negotiated: no territorial changes, but some commercial and political rights for Christians. The Crusaders then withdrew to Europe.
- Founding of the Great Mosque of New Fez
The Great Mosque of New Fez is believed to have been founded around the late 13th century, at roughly the same time as the city itself, making it the oldest Friday mosque in Fes el-Jdid. The mosque follows the typical North African layout with a hypostyle prayer hall, an internal courtyard, and an ornate minaret. Its annexes include a mausoleum with tombs, one of which is commonly attributed to Sultan Abu Inan, though this is unconfirmed by inscriptions.
South Asia
Showing 6 of 7 events from this century
- Founding of Konark Sun Temple
Konark Sun Temple was built in the 13th century by King Narasingha Deva I of the Eastern Ganga dynasty in present-day Konark, Odisha, India. Dedicated to the Hindu sun god Surya, it represents the pinnacle of Kalingan architecture, taking the form of a colossal stone chariot with intricate carvings. Over time, the coastline receded, and much of the temple fell into ruin, though the surviving structures are renowned for their artistic mastery.
- Founding of Sukhothai
In the 13th century, Sukhothai was founded in what is now north central Thailand, becoming the capital of the Sukhothai Kingdom. This kingdom was the first Thai state to break away from the Khmer Empire, and Sukhothai is regarded as Thailand's first capital.
- Construction of the Bayon
In the 13th century, King Jayavarman VII of the Khmer Empire built the Bayon as the state temple at the centre of his capital, Angkor Thom. Originally a Mahayana Buddhist monument, it later adapted to Theravada Buddhism. The temple-mountain architecture symbolises Mount Meru, and its towers feature monumental faces of the Bodhisattva Avalokiteśvara. Reflecting the link between Buddhism and kingship, it remains a Buddhist sanctuary with enduring regional influence.
- Establishment of the Delhi Sultanate
In 1206, former Ghurid general Qutb ud-Din Aibak established the Delhi Sultanate in Delhi, marking the beginning of Islamic rule in the Indian subcontinent. Centered on Delhi, the polity lasted through five dynasties until 1526.
- Founding of Majapahit
Majapahit was founded in 1293 on the island of Java as a Hindu-Buddhist thalassocratic empire based in Java.
- Construction of the Ramappa Temple begins
A Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva was founded in the early 13th century (around 1213) in present-day Telangana, India. Built under a Kakatiya general, it features lightweight 'floating bricks' and ornate sculptures, and is situated near a reservoir and forests, reflecting the dharmic ideal of integrating temples with nature. The complex was later designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Central Asian steppe
Showing 6 of 6 events from this century
- Mongol invasions and conquests
After the founding of the Mongol Empire in the early 13th century, Genghis Khan and his descendants launched a series of expansion wars across Eurasia, creating the largest contiguous land empire in history within a century and profoundly reshaping the political landscape of Eurasia.
- Founding of the Mongol Empire
In 1206, Temüjin united the Mongol tribes and was proclaimed Genghis Khan at Avarga, founding the Mongol Empire. This event unified the nomadic tribes of the Mongolian Plateau and laid the foundation for the vast transcontinental empire that would follow.
- Mongol Conquest of Central Asia
In the early 13th century, the Mongol Empire began its conquest of Central Asia after Genghis Khan pursued rival tribes into the region. The Uyghur kingdom and Karluk leaders submitted voluntarily, and Qara Khitai was destroyed by 1218. A major campaign against the Khwarazmian Empire resulted in the conquest of all its territories by 1221.
- Mongol invasion of Khwarazmian Empire
Between 1219 and 1221, Genghis Khan led the Mongol forces in the invasion of the Khwarazmian Empire in Central Asia. The campaign, triggered by failed diplomacy and trade, resulted in widespread devastation and atrocities. It marked the completion of the Mongol conquest of Central Asia and began the Mongol conquest of Persia.
- Siege of Bukhara (1220)
In February 1220, during the first Mongol invasion of the Khwarazmian Empire, Genghis Khan's forces captured the city of Bukhara. This siege was a key operation in the conquest of Transoxiana. While Shah Muhammad II planned to defend his major cities individually, the Mongols laid siege to the border town of Otrar and then struck deeper into Khwarazmia, seizing Bukhara. The fall of the city crippled the Khwarazmian defense and opened the way for further Mongol conquests in Central Asia.
- Karakorum Established as Capital of the Mongol Empire
In the mid-13th century, Karakorum was established as the capital of the Mongol Empire. Located in present-day Övörkhangai Province, Mongolia, it served as the political center until Kublai Khan moved the capital to Dadu. Its ruins lie within the Orkhon Valley World Heritage Site.
Sub-Saharan Africa
Showing 3 of 3 events from this century
- Construction of the Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela
The construction of the Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela began in the 13th century in the Ethiopian Highlands, comprising 11 monolithic churches carved from single blocks of rock.
- Founding of the Mali Empire
The Mali Empire was founded around 1235 in West Africa by Sundiata Keita, following his victory at the Battle of Kirina and the unification of the Manden region. The empire's core lay near Kangaba and later became the largest state in West Africa, profoundly influencing the region's culture, law and language.
- Royal Palace of the Oba of Benin
The Royal Palace of the Oba of Benin is located in Benin City, Nigeria, and is the residence of the Oba of Benin and other royals.
Years in the 13th century
7 years in this century have enough records for a page of their own.