1142 facts for kids

The year 1142 (written as MCXLII in Roman numerals) was a special year. It was a common year starting on Thursday in the Julian calendar. Many important things happened around the world during this time.

Events in 1142

Important Happenings Around the World

Africa: A City's Struggle

• The city of Mahdia was a big trading center. But in 1142, it faced a terrible famine.
• Because the city could not feed its people, its leader, called an emir, had to ask for help.
• The emir recognized the protection of Roger II of Sicily. This meant Roger II had a lot of power over Mahdia.
• Also in Africa, a group of people called the Normans tried to attack the city of Tripoli. However, their attack was not successful.

Asia: A New Emperor in Japan

• In Japan, a new leader took the throne.
• Emperor Konoe became the new emperor, taking over from Emperor Sutoku.

Europe: Power Changes and Land Grants

• In Europe, an important change happened in Saxony.
• A powerful person named Henry the Lion became the Duke of Saxony. A duke is a very important noble who rules a large area.
• Also, Empress Matilda (sometimes called Empress Maud) made a special gift.
• She gave the church in Oakley, England, to the monks of St Frideswide's Priory in Oxford. This gift included smaller churches nearby.

People Born in 1142

• Farid od-Din Mohammad ebn Ebrahim 'Attar: A famous Persian poet. He wrote about spiritual and mystical ideas.
• Hugh III, Duke of Burgundy: An important duke from the region of Burgundy.

People Who Died in 1142

• January 27 – Yue Fei: A brave and famous Chinese military leader.
• April 21 – Peter Abelard: A very smart French thinker and philosopher.
• Orderic Vitalis: An English writer who kept records of history.

Images for kids

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  Duke Henry the Lion (c. 1129–1195)

See also

In Spanish: 1142 para niños