Browse Historical Events by Month: What Happened in November?

King Bolesław III Wrymouth of Poland dies, leading to a period of succession disputes.

Henry I of England's daughter, Matilda (Maud), marries Holy Roman Emperor Henry V, strengthening Anglo-German relations.

King Baldwin I of Jerusalem dies, and his sister's son, Baldwin II, succeeds him as King of Jerusalem.

The Council of Poitiers begins, addressing issues related to simony and clerical marriage within the Catholic Church.

King Alfonso I of Aragon captures the city of Zaragoza from Muslim control during the Reconquista.

A massive earthquake strikes Syria, resulting in significant destruction.

The White Ship, carrying King Henry I's heir and many nobles, sinks in the English Channel, resulting in the loss of many lives and a succession crisis.

The First Lateran Council, the first ecumenical council of the Catholic Church, opens in Rome.

Empress Matilda's forces defeat King Stephen's troops at the Battle of the Standard during the Anarchy in England.

King Stephen of England dies, and Henry II becomes King, marking the end of the Anarchy.

Emperor Frederick I (Barbarossa) issues the "Privilegium Minus," which grants Austria special privileges within the Holy Roman Empire.

Archbishop of Canterbury Thomas Becket is assassinated in Canterbury Cathedral, leading to a conflict between church and state in England.

Pope Alexander III and Holy Roman Emperor Frederick I sign the Treaty of Venice, ending their long-running dispute.

The Peace of Constance is signed, ending the conflicts between the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick I and the Lombard League.

Saladin captures Jerusalem from the Crusaders, leading to the Third Crusade.

Richard the Lionheart is captured in Austria while returning from the Third Crusade.

King Richard the Lionheart dies, and his brother John becomes King of England.

The Fourth Crusade, after diverting from its original goal, begins the siege of Zara (present-day Zadar, Croatia).

The Fourth Crusade begins with the siege of Zara (present-day Zadar, Croatia), diverting the Crusaders from their intended target, Jerusalem.

Pope Innocent III grants his approval for the Fourth Crusade to capture Constantinople, leading to the sacking of the city in April 1204.