1251 facts for kids

The year 1251 was a time of important events across Europe and Asia. Kings and leaders made big decisions, new cities grew, and ancient texts were completed. This year saw changes in power, new alliances, and the spread of knowledge.

Major Events of 1251

Europe in 1251

• In April, the first Shepherds' Crusade began in France. This was a large uprising by common people. They were reacting to events happening far away in Egypt during the Seventh Crusade.
• On December 26, King Alexander III of Scotland married Margaret. She was the daughter of King Henry III of England. This marriage led to some disagreements over power between the two kings.
• Andrew de Longjumeau met with King Louis IX of France in Palestine. Andrew had been sent two years earlier to be an ambassador to the Mongols. He brought back news from the Mongols and the land of Tartary. However, his mission was not seen as a success.
• Mindaugas of Lithuania was baptized. This was an important step before he became the King of Lithuania in 1253.
• Alexander Nevsky signed the first peace agreement between Kievan Rus' (an early state in Eastern Europe) and Norway. This helped bring peace between these regions.
• King Conrad IV of Germany led his army into Italy. He tried to defeat the people who supported Pope Innocent IV, but he was not successful.
• The German city of Berlin received its official city charter. This document gave Berlin special rights and rules as a city. Berlin had been founded about 50 years before this.
• Ottokar II of Bohemia was chosen to be the Duke of Austria. He would later become the King of Bohemia. A duke is a powerful noble who rules a region.
• The oldest known copy of The Proverbs of Alfred was written. This book is a collection of wise sayings from England's famous King Alfred the Great.

Asia in 1251

• Möngke Khan was chosen as the fourth Great Khan of the Mongol Empire. The Great Khan was the supreme leader of the vast Mongol Empire.
• The carving of the Tripitaka Koreana was finished. This is a huge collection of Buddhist holy writings. It is recorded on about 81,000 wooden blocks.

Important People Born in 1251

• Hōjō Tokimune (died 1284): He became the 8th regent of the Kamakura shogunate in Japan. A regent is someone who rules for a king or emperor who is too young or unable to rule.

Important People Who Died in 1251

• Bohemund V of Antioch
• Peter I, Duke of Brittany (born 1190)
• Eljigidei: A Mongol commander from Persia.
• Isobel of Huntingdon (born 1199)
• Matthias II, Duke of Lorraine