1187 facts for kids

The year 1187 was a time of big changes around the world. Many important events happened, especially in the Middle East, where a powerful leader named Saladin made a huge impact. This year also saw new ideas spread and shifts in power across different empires.

Major Events and the Crusades

The year 1187 is most famous for key battles in the Crusades. These were religious wars fought between Christians and Muslims.

Saladin's Victories

• May 1 – The Battle of Cresson took place. Here, Saladin and his forces defeated the Christian crusaders. This was an early sign of his growing power.
• July 4 – A very important battle happened at Hattin. Saladin's army completely defeated the Christian forces led by Guy of Lusignan, who was the King of Jerusalem. This battle was a major turning point.
• September 20 to October 2 – After his victory at Hattin, Saladin moved to capture Jerusalem. The siege lasted for about two weeks. Saladin successfully took control of the city, which was a huge loss for the crusaders.

Saladin accepts the surrender of Guy of Lusignan after the Battle of Hattin (1187).

Call for a New Crusade

• October 29 – After Jerusalem fell, Pope Gregory VIII issued an important message called a papal bull named Audita tremendi. In this message, he called for a new holy war, which became known as the Third Crusade. This was an effort to take Jerusalem back.

Other Changes in Europe

• In Pomerania, a new church, the Cathedral of St. Jacob, was officially opened in Szczecin.
• The city of Sigtuna in Sweden was destroyed, and its archbishop was killed.
• Knut Eriksson, the King of Sweden, started building a castle on the island of Stockholm. This castle would later become a very important place.

New Ideas and Discoveries

• This year saw the first mention of a Compass being used in Europe. This invention was very important for navigation and exploring the world.
• Zen Buddhism, a special kind of Buddhist teaching, arrived in Japan. This new way of thinking would become very popular there.

Shifts in Power Around the World

• In Central America, the Toltec civilization at Chichen Itza saw its rulers removed from power.
• In Southeast Asia, Jayavarman VII, the King of Angkor Wat, successfully defeated invaders from the Cham kingdom. This helped his empire grow stronger.
• In India, Ghorin Muhammed conquered the Punjab area. This expanded his control in the region.
• In Italy, the city of Genoa took control of Bonifacio in Corsica from its rival city, Pisa.

Important People Born in 1187

• September 5 – King Louis VIII of France was born. He would later become a powerful king of France.
• Arthur I, Duke of Brittany was born. He was a duke who played a role in English history.
• Vladimir III Rurikovich, who would become a Grand Prince of Kiev, was also born this year.

Notable Deaths in 1187

• July 4 – Raynald of Châtillon, a prince who fought in the Crusades, was executed by Saladin after the Battle of Hattin.
• October 19 – Pope Urban III died. He was the Pope before Gregory VIII.
• November 9 – Emperor Gaozong of Song, a former emperor of China, passed away.
• December 17 – Pope Gregory VIII died. He was the Pope who called for the Third Crusade.
• Gerard of Cremona, an Italian who translated many important scientific books, also died this year.
• Roger de Moulins, the leader of the Knights Hospitaller, a group of crusader knights, died.
• Count Raymond III, Count of Tripoli, an important leader in the Crusades, also passed away.

See also

In Spanish: 1187 para niños