1140 Facts for Kids

Millennium:	2nd millennium
Centuries:	11th century – 12th century – 13th century
Decades:	1110s 1120s 1130s – 1140s – 1150s 1160s 1170s
Years:	1137 1138 1139 – 1140 – 1141 1142 1143

The year 1140 (written as MCXL in Roman numerals) was a special kind of year called a leap year. It began on a Monday and was part of the Julian calendar, which was used a long time ago.

What Happened in 1140?

Big Events in Europe

On December 21, Conrad III of Germany led an attack on Weinsberg. This was a strong castle belonging to the Welfs, a powerful family at the time.
Henry Jasomirgott was given an important job. He became the count palatine of the Rhine, a powerful position in the Holy Roman Empire.
The town of Lanark in Scotland became a Royal Burgh. This meant it had special rights and was directly controlled by the king, David I of Scotland.
The settlement of Marburg in Germany officially became a town.
Roger II of Sicily created new laws called the Assizes of Ariano. These laws helped organize his kingdom.
King Roger II of Sicily also took control over the practice of medicine. This meant doctors needed royal permission to work.

Important Religious Moments

On June 3, a church court in Sens, France, said that Pierre Abelard was teaching ideas that were not allowed. This was called heresy.
On September 8, a wise Jewish thinker named Judah Halevi arrived in Alexandria. He was on a special trip to Palestine after finishing his famous book, Kuzari.
The first Cistercian monastery in Spain was started in Fitero. This religious group grew very quickly in the area over the next 15 years.
A monk named Gratian wrote an important book called the Decretum Gratiani. This book helped create the rules for the church, known as Canon law.