1240s facts for kids

The 1240s was a ten-year period that started on January 1, 1240, and ended on December 31, 1249. This decade saw many important events around the world. Empires rose and fell, and powerful leaders made their mark.

Major Events of the 1240s

The Mongol Empire's Power

The Mongol Empire was a huge and powerful empire during this time. Its armies, known as the Golden Horde, were led by Batu Khan. They were very strong and expanded their control across many lands.

• In 1240, Batu Khan and the Golden Horde attacked the city of Kiev. Kiev was an important city in a region called Kievan Rus'. The Mongols successfully took over and sacked the city. This was a big event in the history of Eastern Europe.

Rise of the Mali Empire

In West Africa, a new and powerful empire began to form. This was the Mali Empire.

• A brave Mandinka prince named Sundiata Keita led his people. He fought against a king named Soumaoro Kanté from the Sosso kingdom.
• Their big battle was the Battle of Kirina. Sundiata Keita won this battle. This victory marked the beginning of the mighty Mali Empire. It became one of the largest and richest empires in West Africa.

Battles in Europe

Europe also saw important conflicts during the 1240s.

• On July 15, 1240, a Russian prince named Alexander Nevsky became a hero. He led his forces against the Swedes in the Battle of the Neva.
• Prince Alexander's victory stopped a large invasion from the North. It helped protect Russia from being fully taken over by enemies.

• In 1241, the Mongols continued their advance into Europe.
• On April 5, 1241, the Mongols, led by Subutai, fought a big battle in Poland. They defeated the Polish nobility, including the brave Knights Templar, at the Battle of Liegnitz.
• Later that month, on April 27, 1241, the Mongols fought another major battle. They defeated King Bela IV of Hungary in the battle of Sajo. These battles showed the great power of the Mongol armies.

Changes in Norway

• The civil war era in Norway finally came to an end during this decade. This brought more peace and stability to the country after many years of fighting.

Cultural Changes

• During this time, Saint Maurice began to be shown in a new way. He started to be portrayed as a Moor, which means a person of North African or Middle Eastern descent. This was a notable change in how this saint was depicted.

Important People Born in the 1240s

Many important people who would shape the future were born in this decade.

• Abulafia (died 1292): A Jewish philosopher from Malta. He was known for his mystical teachings.
• Pope Benedict XI (died 1304): He later became the leader of the Catholic Church.
• Stephen V of Hungary (died 1272): He would later become the King of Hungary.
• Sigerus of Brabant (died 1284): A French theologian and philosopher. He was an important thinker in his time.
• Albert the Degenerate (died 1314): He was a landgrave of Thuringia, a region in Germany.

Important People Who Died in the 1240s

The 1240s also saw the passing of several influential figures.

• April 11, 1240 – Llywelyn the Great: He was a powerful and important King of Gwynedd in Wales.
• Ibn Arabi: An Andalusian Arab philosopher and mystic. He wrote many influential books.
• Jacques de Vitry (born c. 1180): A French historian and theologian. He traveled widely and wrote about his experiences.
• William de Warenne, 6th Earl of Surrey (born 1166): An English nobleman who held significant power and lands.

Images for kids

• 

  A robot illustration.