1309 facts for kids
The year 1309 was a time of interesting changes in Europe. Major events included a big move for the Pope and a new home for a famous group of knights.
Contents
Important Events of 1309
The Pope Moves to Avignon
On March 9, 1309, Pope Clement V made a very important decision. He decided to move the main home of the Pope, called the papal seat, to a city called Avignon. This city is in what is now France. This move was a big deal because the Pope had always lived in Rome, Italy, for a very long time. Moving to Avignon changed how the Catholic Church worked for many years.
Knights Take Over Rhodes
On August 15, 1309, a group of brave knights completed a big conquest. These knights were known as the Knights Hospitaller. They were a military and religious group formed to help pilgrims and fight in the Crusades. They had been fighting to take control of the island of Rhodes in the Mediterranean Sea.
After a long struggle, the city of Rhodes finally surrendered to them. This meant the Knights Hospitaller now controlled the entire island. They decided to make Rhodes their new headquarters. Because of this, they even changed their name to the Knights of Rhodes. They built strong castles and became a powerful force in the region.
Alnwick Castle's New Owners
In 1309, a famous castle in England, Alnwick Castle, got new owners. This castle is in a place called Northumberland. A powerful family known as the Percy family bought it. The Percy family later became very important nobles, known as the Earls of Northumberland. Alnwick Castle is still a famous landmark today.
People Born in 1309
- Leo V of Armenia (died 1341) – He later became a king in a place called Armenia.
People Who Died in 1309
- May 5 – Charles II of Naples – He was a king who ruled a kingdom in southern Italy.
- James of St. George (born 1230) – He was a very skilled architect from Savoy. He designed many strong castles and buildings for armies.
