1170s facts for kids

The 1170s were a ten-year period that started on January 1, 1170, and ended on December 31, 1179. This decade saw important changes in religion and politics, especially in Europe and the Middle East.

Major Events of the 1170s

The Death of Thomas Becket in 1170

In 1170, a very important event happened in England: the killing of Thomas à Becket. He was the Archbishop of Canterbury, which means he was the most important leader of the church in England. Becket had a big disagreement with King Henry II of England. The King wanted more power over the church, but Becket believed the church should be independent.

This argument became very heated. On December 29, 1170, some knights who thought they were doing the King's will went to Canterbury Cathedral and killed Thomas Becket right inside the church. This event shocked all of Europe and made Becket a very famous figure. Many people saw him as a martyr, someone who died for their beliefs.

Saladin's Rise in Egypt in 1171

In 1171, a powerful leader named Saladin made a big change in Egypt. Before Saladin, Egypt was ruled by the Fatimid Caliphate, which followed a different branch of Islam called Shia Islam. Saladin, who was a Sunni Muslim, took control and ended the Fatimid rule.

By doing this, Saladin brought Sunni rule back to Egypt. This was a major step in his plan to unite the Islamic world and eventually fight against the Christian crusaders who had taken control of parts of the Middle East. Saladin became one of the most famous leaders in Islamic history.

Church Decisions at the Third Lateran Council in 1179

In 1179, a very important meeting of the Catholic Church took place in Rome. It was called the Third Council of the Lateran. During this council, church leaders made several important decisions.

One key decision was to speak out against certain groups of people who had different religious beliefs. The Council said that groups like the Waldensians and Cathars were "heretics." A heretic is someone whose religious beliefs are seen as wrong or dangerous by the main church. The Council also worked on making rules to improve the lives and behavior of clerics, who are people like priests and bishops. This was part of an effort to make the church stronger and more organized.

Significant People of the 1170s

• Thomas à Becket (c. 1118 – 1170): As mentioned, he was the Archbishop of Canterbury who was killed because of his conflict with King Henry II over the power of the church.
• Saladin (c. 1137 – 1193): A powerful Muslim leader who became the first Sultan of Egypt and Syria. He was known for uniting the Islamic world and leading the fight against the Crusader states.
• Henry II of England (1133 – 1189): The King of England during this decade. He had a major conflict with Thomas Becket, which led to Becket's death.

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