Battles & Wars: 1001-1200
From the Battle of Hastings to the First Crusade, the period between 1000 and 1200 was marked by conflict around the globe. In this section we explore this time of turmoil.
Ireland: Battle of Clontarf
On Good Friday 1014, the forces of Munster and Leinster clashed at the Battle of Clontarf outside Dublin, Ireland. The battle was a result of the King of Leinster, Máel Mórda mac Murchada, rebelling against the High King of Ireland, Brian Boru. Brian's forces were victorious at Clontarf, however both leaders were killed sinking Ireland into regional warfare.
On Good Friday 1014, the forces of Munster and Leinster clashed at the Battle of Clontarf outside Dublin, Ireland. The battle was a result of the King of Leinster, Máel Mórda mac Murchada, rebelling against the High King of Ireland, Brian Boru. Brian's forces were victorious at Clontarf, however both leaders were killed sinking Ireland into regional warfare.
Bulgarian-Byzantine Wars: Battle of Kleidion
The Battle of Kleidion was the climatic fight of Emperor Basil II's 1014 invasion of Bulgaria. Excuting a brilliant flanking maneuver, Basil's forces routed the Bulgarians and captured 14,000. Following Kleidion, the ruler of Bulgaria, Samuil, died and his country was conquered by the Byzantines.
The Battle of Kleidion was the climatic fight of Emperor Basil II's 1014 invasion of Bulgaria. Excuting a brilliant flanking maneuver, Basil's forces routed the Bulgarians and captured 14,000. Following Kleidion, the ruler of Bulgaria, Samuil, died and his country was conquered by the Byzantines.
Invasions of England: Battle of Stamford Bridge
Fought on September 25, 1066, the Battle of Stamford Bridge pitted the forces of Harold Godwinson against those of Norwegian King Harald Hardrada. The latter had invaded England with the goal of claiming the English crown for himself. In a bloody battle at Stamford Bridge, Harald was killed and the invasion repulsed.
Fought on September 25, 1066, the Battle of Stamford Bridge pitted the forces of Harold Godwinson against those of Norwegian King Harald Hardrada. The latter had invaded England with the goal of claiming the English crown for himself. In a bloody battle at Stamford Bridge, Harald was killed and the invasion repulsed.
Invasions of England: Battle of Hastings
Invading England in the fall of 1066, William of Normandy met the Anglo-Saxon forces of Harold Godwinson at the Battle of Hastings on October 14. Fighting on Senlac Ridge, William's forces overcame determined resistance from the English to win the day. Following the victory at the Battle of Hastings, William advanced on London and forced the English nobles to submit to him.
Invading England in the fall of 1066, William of Normandy met the Anglo-Saxon forces of Harold Godwinson at the Battle of Hastings on October 14. Fighting on Senlac Ridge, William's forces overcame determined resistance from the English to win the day. Following the victory at the Battle of Hastings, William advanced on London and forced the English nobles to submit to him.
Wars of the Guelphs and Ghibellines: Battle of Legnano
Fought on May 29, 1176, the Battle of Legnano was a key engagement in Frederick I Barbarossa's Fifth Italian Campaign. Leading reinforcements from Germany, Frederick was intercepted by the troops of the Lombard League. Attacking near Legnano, Frederick initially had success until a decisive counterattack broke his lines and routed his forces.
Fought on May 29, 1176, the Battle of Legnano was a key engagement in Frederick I Barbarossa's Fifth Italian Campaign. Leading reinforcements from Germany, Frederick was intercepted by the troops of the Lombard League. Attacking near Legnano, Frederick initially had success until a decisive counterattack broke his lines and routed his forces.
Crusades: Battle of Ascalon
The Battle of Ascalon was fought August 12, 1099 between Crusader forces and the Fatimids. Advancing from Jerusalem, Godfrey of Bouillon encountered the Fatimid army on the plains of Ascalon. Attacking, his men drove the enemy from the field, securing the Crusaders' conquests.
The Battle of Ascalon was fought August 12, 1099 between Crusader forces and the Fatimids. Advancing from Jerusalem, Godfrey of Bouillon encountered the Fatimid army on the plains of Ascalon. Attacking, his men drove the enemy from the field, securing the Crusaders' conquests.
Crusades: Battle of Montgisard
The Battle of Montgisard was fought in 1177, between King Baldwin IV of Jerusalem and Saladin. Catching Saladin by surprise, Baldwin was able to rout Saladin's army as it moved on Jerusalem. Driving Saladin from the field, Montgisard proved a vital victory for the Crusaders as it dispersed Saladin's army temporarily removing the threat of invasion.
The Battle of Montgisard was fought in 1177, between King Baldwin IV of Jerusalem and Saladin. Catching Saladin by surprise, Baldwin was able to rout Saladin's army as it moved on Jerusalem. Driving Saladin from the field, Montgisard proved a vital victory for the Crusaders as it dispersed Saladin's army temporarily removing the threat of invasion.
Crusades: Siege of Jerusalem
Lasting from September 20 to October 2, 1187, the Siege of Jerusalem saw Saladin retake the city from Christian forces. Led by Balian of Ibelin, the defenders fought desperately to keep the city, but were ultimately overwhelmed by Saladin's army. After several days of fighting, Balian negotiated its surrender and the Christians were allowed to peacefully leave the city.
Lasting from September 20 to October 2, 1187, the Siege of Jerusalem saw Saladin retake the city from Christian forces. Led by Balian of Ibelin, the defenders fought desperately to keep the city, but were ultimately overwhelmed by Saladin's army. After several days of fighting, Balian negotiated its surrender and the Christians were allowed to peacefully leave the city.