The world in
What happened in 1240?
10 events across 4 world regions, each with its sources.
Europe
- 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.
SourcesWikipedia ↗
Battle of the NevaIn 1240, the Novgorod Republic, led by Alexander Yaroslavich, defeated a combined Swedish, Norwegian, and Finnish force on the banks of the Neva River. The victory secured Orthodox influence in the region, and Alexander earned the epithet 'Nevsky' from this battle.
SourcesWikipedia ↗Image: Unknown author Unknown author / Public domain ↗
Mongol Invasion of Poland (1240–1241)In late 1240 to 1241, the Mongol Empire launched its first major invasion of Poland to secure the flank of the main Mongol army attacking Hungary. The campaign culminated in the Battle of Legnica, where the Mongols defeated a combined force of Poles and allied military orders under Henry II the Pious. This neutralised any potential Polish assistance to King Béla IV of Hungary.
SourcesWikipedia ↗Image: unknown / (of the reproduction) Wroclaw University Library / T. Zoltowska-Huszcza (sorry for ignoring diacritics) / Public domain ↗
Founding of Castel del MonteHoly Roman Emperor Frederick II began building Castel del Monte in the 1240s on a hill near Andria in the Apulia region of southeast Italy. The 13th-century octagonal castle lacks a moat and drawbridge and may never have had a defensive role.
SourcesUNESCO World Heritage listing ↗Wikipedia ↗Image: Berthold Werner / CC BY-SA 3.0 ↗
Construction of the Basilica of Our Lady in TongerenThe Basilica of Our Lady in Tongeren began construction in the 13th century. This Gothic Catholic church later became a major Marian pilgrimage centre and replaced the former cathedral of the suppressed diocese of Tongeren.
SourcesWikipedia ↗Image: 2006.08.17.122359_Basilika_Tongeren_Belgien.jpg : Hermann Luyken derivative work: Rabanus Flavus / CC BY-SA 3.0 ↗
Construction of Metz Cathedral beginsMetz Cathedral (Cathedral of Saint Stephen) was begun in the early 13th century in Metz, France. Built of yellow sandstone in the Gothic style, it incorporated an older Romanesque church. The cathedral later became the seat of the bishops of Metz, and its construction spanned several centuries, with a nave that is among the highest in France.
East Asia
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Mongol conquest of China beginsIn 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.
SourcesWikipedia ↗Image: Sayf al-Vâhidî. Hérât. Afghanistan / Public domain ↗
Founding of Bitchū Matsuyama CastleBitchū Matsuyama Castle, also known as Takahashi Castle, was founded around the mid-13th century in what is now Takahashi, Okayama Prefecture, Japan. It is one of only twelve castles retaining an original tenshu and is notable for its elevated location, recorded at 430 meters (or 487 meters). Designated a National Historic Site, it is also among the 100 famous Japanese castles.
Central Asian steppe
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Mongol invasions and conquestsAfter 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.
SourcesWikipedia ↗Image: Sayf al-Vâhidî. Hérât. Afghanistan / Public domain ↗
West Asia
Launch of the First CrusadeIn November 1095, Pope Urban II officially called for Christians to take up arms and reconquer Jerusalem at the Council of Clermont, launching the First Crusade and inaugurating a series of crusades that continued until 1291. The call promised spiritual rewards, and the success led to the establishment of four Crusader states in the Levant.
Around 1240
These are known only to the century, not to the year. They are listed separately so a rough date is never mistaken for an exact one.
- Founding of Konark Sun Temple
- Founding of Roskilde Cathedral
- Construction of Naumburg Cathedral begins
- Construction of the Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela
- Founding of the Royal Abbey of Saint-Remi
- Jurchen invasion of Song and Jin–Song Wars
- Foundation of Buda Castle
- Construction of Divriği Great Mosque and Hospital