1294 Facts for Kids

Millennium:	2nd millennium
Centuries:	12th century – 13th century – 14th century
Decades:	1260s 1270s 1280s – 1290s – 1300s 1310s 1320s
Years:	1291 1292 1293 – 1294 – 1295 1296 1297

The year 1294 was an important time in history, with changes in leadership, new alliances, and significant building projects. It saw new popes, shifts in power among kingdoms, and the passing of a famous Mongol leader.

Major Events of 1294
Notable People Born in 1294
Important People Who Died in 1294
Images for kids
See also

Major Events of 1294

Changes in Papal Leadership

On July 5, a new Pope was chosen: Pope Celestine V. He became the 192nd leader of the Catholic Church, taking over from Nicholas IV.
However, Pope Celestine V did not stay in his role for long. He had been a hermit (someone who lives alone for religious reasons) and preferred a simple, quiet life. He felt uncomfortable being pope and decided to step down on December 13. This was a very unusual event!
Just a few days later, on December 24, Pope Boniface VIII became the 193rd Pope, succeeding Celestine V.

Scotland's Stand Against England

John Balliol, who was the King of Scotland, made a big decision. King Edward I of England wanted Scotland's help to invade France.
Instead of helping England, King John Balliol told France about Edward's plans. He then made a special agreement with France and Norway called the Auld Alliance. This alliance meant they would support each other against England.
These actions by King John Balliol were a major reason for the Wars of Scottish Independence, which started a couple of years later in 1296.

Rebuilding and New Buildings

The Strata Florida Abbey in Wales was rebuilt in 1294. It had been destroyed earlier during King Edward I of England's conquest of Wales.
In Florence, Italy, a famous architect named Arnolfo di Cambio began designing the city's main cathedral. This cathedral is known today as Santa Maria del Fiore, or simply Il Duomo.
Arnolfo di Cambio also started working on another important church in Florence, the Basilica di Santa Croce di Firenze.

An Old Alliance Begins

In 1294, England and Portugal formed a special agreement. This was the very first version of the Anglo-Portuguese Alliance. It is known as the oldest alliance in the world that is still active today!

The Mongol Empire Changes

The death of Kublai Khan was a very significant event in 1294. He was the powerful leader of the Mongol Empire.
After his death, the four main parts of the Mongol Empire, called khanates, officially became independent. These were the Chagatai Khanate, the Golden Horde, the Ilkhanate, and the Yuan Dynasty in China. They had already been acting somewhat independently during Kublai Khan's rule, but his death made it official.