1080s facts for kids

The 1080s was a decade that saw important changes in Europe and Japan. New leaders came to power, and big building projects began. Religious life also saw significant shifts during this time.

Key Events of the 1080s

This decade was filled with events that shaped history, from changes in church practices to new kings taking their thrones.

Changes in Religious Practices

During the 1080s, the way people practiced their faith saw some big updates, especially within the Christian church.

Roman Liturgy in Spain

In 1080, King Alfonso VI of Castile made a major decision for the Catholic Church in his lands. He decided that the Roman liturgy would replace the older Mozarabic Rite. The liturgy is the set of rules and traditions for public worship. The Mozarabic Rite was a unique way of worship that had developed in Spain over many centuries. King Alfonso VI wanted to bring the Spanish church more in line with the rest of Catholic Europe. This change meant that church services, prayers, and hymns would now follow the Roman style.

New Monastic Orders

In 1084, a very important new group of monks was founded. Saint Bruno started the Carthusian Order. Monks are men who dedicate their lives to religious service, often living in communities called monasteries. The Carthusian Order was known for its very strict rules. Monks in this order lived in silence and spent most of their time in prayer and solitary study. They aimed for a very simple and quiet life, focusing deeply on their faith.

Building the Great Church of Cluny

The year 1088 marked the beginning of a huge construction project in France. Work started on the third and largest church at Cluny. Cluny was a very famous and powerful monastery at the time. This new church was designed to be enormous and beautiful. It showed the great importance and influence of the Cluny monastery in medieval Europe. Building such a large church would have taken many years and a lot of effort.

New Pope Takes Office

Also in 1088, a new leader was chosen for the Catholic Church. Pope Urban II became the head of the church. He served as Pope from 1088 to 1099. The Pope is the spiritual leader for millions of Catholics around the world. Pope Urban II would later become very famous for calling for the First Crusade.

Saint Nicholas's Remains Moved

In 1087, an important event happened for many Christians. The remains of Saint Nicholas were brought to the city of Bari in Italy. Saint Nicholas is a very popular saint, known for his kindness and generosity. He is also the inspiration for the figure of Santa Claus. Moving his remains to Bari made the city a significant pilgrimage site for people wanting to honor the saint.

Changes in Leadership

The 1080s also saw new rulers take power in different parts of the world.

William II Becomes King of England

In 1087, a new king took the throne of England. William II became the ruler after his father, William the Conqueror, died. William II was the third son of William the Conqueror. His reign was marked by efforts to strengthen royal power and deal with challenges from his brothers and powerful nobles.

Imperial Rule in Japan

Japan also saw changes in its leadership during this decade. In 1086, Emperor Shirakawa began what is known as his cloistered rule. This was a unique system where an emperor would officially step down from the throne but still hold real power behind the scenes. They would often live in a monastery or a secluded palace, giving advice and making decisions. Even though Emperor Shirakawa's formal reign ended in 1087, his cloistered rule continued. This meant he still had a lot of influence over the government.

Later in 1087, Emperor Horikawa ascended to the throne of Japan. He was the son of Emperor Shirakawa. This showed how power could be passed down within the imperial family, even with the cloistered rule system in place.