1268 facts for kids

The year 1268 was a time of important changes and events across Europe and Asia. Kingdoms fought wars, new leaders came to power, and cultural traditions began. This year saw major battles, the fall of a crusader state, and even new ways of choosing leaders.

Events in Europe

Wars and Politics

• On February 18, a group called the Livonian Brothers of the Sword faced a big defeat. They were beaten by Dovmont, a brave leader from Pskov, in a fight known as the Battle of Rakovor.
• A sad event happened on October 29. Conradin, who was the last true male heir of the powerful Hohenstaufen family (who were Kings of Germany and Holy Roman Emperors), was executed. He was killed along with his friend Frederick I, Margrave of Baden by Charles I of Sicily. Charles was a political enemy and had the support of the Catholic Church.
• King Stephen V of Hungary started a war against the country of Bulgaria.
• The area of Wernigerode became a "vassal state." This means it came under the control of the margrave of Brandenburg.
• The House of Bourbon family started to become very important. This happened when Robert, Count of Clermont married Beatrice of Burgundy. Beatrice was the daughter of King Louis IX of France and would inherit the land of Bourbon.
• In Venice, new rules were made for choosing the "doge." The doge was the main leader of Venice. These new rules helped make sure that powerful families didn't have too much say in who became the next leader.
• Pope Clement IV died this year. After his death, it took almost three years for a new pope to be chosen! This long delay led to new, strict rules being made about how future popes would be elected.

Culture and Daily Life

• A famous artist named Nicola Pisano finished a beautiful, eight-sided pulpit (a raised stand for a speaker) at the Duomo di Siena in Italy. It was built in the amazing Gothic style.
• The fun carnival in Venice was officially written about for the first time this year.
• In France, a new rule was made about making beer. From this year on, only hops could be used to give beer its flavor.
• The town of Guta was founded in what is now Slovakia. Today, it is known as Kolárovo.

Events in Asia

• On May 18, a very important place called the Principality of Antioch fell. This was a "crusader state," which means it was a kingdom set up by European crusaders. It was taken over by the Mamluk Sultan Baibars in the Battle of Antioch. Baibars destroyed the city so badly that it never became important again.
• A very long battle began in China. It was called the Battle of Xiangyang. This fight lasted for six years between the Chinese Song Dynasty and the powerful Mongol forces led by Kublai Khan. It happened in a place called Hubei.
• A terrible earthquake hit the region of Cilicia. Sadly, about 60,000 people lost their lives.

Important Births

• Mahaut of Artois (died 1327)
• Emperor Duanzong of China (died 1278)
• Philip IV of France (died 1314)

Notable Deaths

• October 29 – Conradin, Duke of Swabia (executed) (born 1252)
• October 29 – Frederick I, Margrave of Baden (executed) (born 1249)
• November 29 – Pope Clement IV
• December 9 – Vaisvilkas, Prince of Black Ruthenia
• Barral of Baux, Grand Justiciar of Sicily
• Henry de Bracton, English jurist (a legal expert)
• Peter II of Savoy (born 1203)