1290 facts for kids

The year 1290 was a time of important changes and events across Europe. Kings made new laws, universities were started, and big building projects were finished. It was a year that shaped the future of several countries.

Key Events of 1290

New Beginnings in Portugal

On March 1, 1290, a very important school was started in Lisbon, Portugal. King Denis of Portugal founded the University of Coimbra. This university later moved to Coimbra in 1308. It became one of the oldest and most famous universities in Europe.

King Denis also made another big change for Portugal. He declared that the Portuguese language would be the official language of the country. Before this, classical Latin was used for official documents and in government. This decision helped the Portuguese language grow and become stronger.

Changes in England

In England, King Edward I made a difficult decision on July 18. He ordered all Jewish people to leave Britain. About 16,000 people had to leave their homes. This event is remembered by Jewish people on a sad holiday called Tisha B'Av.

King Edward I also honored his wife, Queen Eleanor of Castile, who had passed away. During December, twelve special monuments called Eleanor crosses were built. These crosses were placed along the route between Lincolnshire and London. They marked the places where her funeral procession stopped.

Two important laws were also passed in England under King Edward I. The second of the Statutes of Mortmain was created to stop land from being given to the church too easily. Another law, called Quia Emptores, changed how land was owned and sold. It made it easier for people to buy and sell land without complex feudal rules.

Other Important Happenings

On August 1, the country of Wallachia was traditionally founded. This region is now part of modern-day Romania.

In Wales, a very old church building was finally finished. The construction of Llandaff Cathedral in Cardiff was completed in 1290. It had taken 170 years to build this beautiful cathedral.

Far to the north, in Norway, work began on the Akershus Fortress in Oslo. This strong castle would become an important defense for the city.

Meanwhile, the powerful Mongol Empire expanded its reach. They invaded the Bessarabia region, which is part of modern-day Moldova.