1255 facts for kids

The year 1255 was a time of many changes across Europe and Asia. Important events happened, new cities were founded, and some powerful people were born or passed away.

Key Events of 1255

Europe's Major Happenings

Western Europe's Changes

• In August, the last strongholds of a religious group called the Cathars in southern France were no longer active. This marked the end of a long period of conflict that began in 1209.
• Lisbon officially became the capital city of the Kingdom of Portugal. This was an important step for the country.
• The beautiful Gothic cathedral in Bourges, France, was finally finished. Today, it is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• A big survey was started in England to record royal privileges. This survey was part of the Hundred Rolls, which was like a detailed census. It followed up on the famous Domesday Book from 1086. More parts of the Hundred Rolls were completed later in the 1270s.

Central and Eastern Europe's Developments

• In May, a traveler named William of Rubruck returned to Cyprus from a long journey. He had traveled from Constantinople to try and connect with the Tatars in central and eastern Asia, but his mission was not successful.
• The city of Königsberg was founded in Prussia. This city is now known as Kaliningrad.
• Theodore II Lascaris, who was the Byzantine Emperor at the time, led a military effort. He worked to take back the region of Thrace from the Bulgarians. He successfully completed this task the next year.
• The large area known as the Duchy of Bavaria was divided into two smaller parts: Upper and Lower Bavaria.
• The German state of Nassau was also divided. It would not become one unified state again until 1806.
• King Béla IV of Hungary gave special rights to the town of Banská Bystrica. This made it a royal town with its own local government.

Asia's Important Events

• Hulagu Khan was sent by his brother Möngke Khan on an important mission. His task was to deal with the remaining Muslim states in southwestern Asia.

Notable Births of 1255

• Albert I of Germany was born. He later became a Holy Roman Emperor. (He passed away in 1308).
• William de Ros, 2nd Baron de Ros was born. He later claimed the crown of Scotland. (He passed away in 1317).
• Duccio di Buoninsegna was born. He became a famous Sienese painter. (He passed away in 1319).
• Grand Prince Andrey of Gorodets was born around this time. (He passed away in 1304).
• Adolf of Nassau-Weilburg was born around this time. He became a King of the Romans. (He passed away in 1298).

Notable Deaths of 1255

• On May 1, Walter de Gray, an important English church leader and statesman, passed away.
• Jarler, who was the Archbishop of Sweden, passed away.
• Sundiata Keita, a semi-historical hero and the founder of the Mali Empire, passed away around this time. (He was born around 1190).
• Batu Khan, a powerful Mongol ruler and the founder of the Blue Horde, passed away.