1262 facts for kids

The year 1262 was a time of important changes and events across the world. Kings made big decisions, new cities were founded, and a famous play was written. It was also a year when some well-known people were born or passed away.

Important Events of 1262

Changes in Leadership

• King Mindaugas of Lithuania decided to stop being Christian and went back to the older beliefs of his people, known as paganism. He also returned to his role as the Grand Duke of Lithuania, which is like being the main leader of the country.
• The country of Iceland made a special agreement to join with Norway. This meant that the King of Norway, Haakon IV, became the ruler of Iceland too.
• The city of Strasbourg in Europe became an Imperial Free City. This meant it was a special city that could govern itself and was only under the direct rule of the Holy Roman Emperor, not a local lord.

Wars and Conflicts

• King Henry III of England got special permission from the Pope to ignore a set of rules called the Provisions of Oxford. These rules had limited his power. This decision helped lead to a civil war in England called the Second Barons' War, which started the very next year in 1263.

New Beginnings

• King Mengrai of the Lannathai kingdom (which is now part of Thailand) founded a new city called Chiang Rai. This city became the first capital of his kingdom.
• A writer named Adam de la Halle created a new kind of play called "Le Jeu de la Feuillee". This is known as the first operetta, which is like a short opera with spoken parts and songs.

Honoring a Saint

• Richard of Chichester was officially recognized as a saint. He is remembered for writing a prayer that later became a famous song called Day by Day in the musical Godspell.

People Born in 1262

• July 2 – Arthur II, Duke of Brittany: He was an important leader in the region of Brittany, France.
• Ladislaus IV of Hungary: He became a king of Hungary.
• Hugh le Despenser, 1st Earl of Winchester: He was a powerful English nobleman.

People Who Passed Away in 1262

• July 15 – Richard de Clare, 6th Earl of Hertford: He was an English soldier and a very important noble.
• Aegidius of Assisi: He was a close friend and follower of Saint Francis of Assisi, a famous religious figure.
• Shinran Shonin: He was a Japanese religious leader who founded an important branch of Buddhism called Jodo Shinshu.
• Matilda II of Boulogne, Queen of Portugal: She was a countess and also became the queen because she was married to King Afonso III of Portugal.

Images for kids

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  Hulagu Khan is defeated by his cousin Berke Khan at the Terek River (1262).

See also

In Spanish: 1262 para niños