Pope Stephen IX (X) becomes the 154th pope.
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What Happened in April?
Sieges, raids, and monumental deaths. Discover key historical events from April that influenced the world. Dates for earlier events may be approximate.
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Pope Nicholas II succeeds Pope Stephen IX as the 155th pope.
Halley's Comet makes a close appearance, before the Battle of Hastings in1066, which is believed to be captured on the Bayeux Tapestry, an embroidered cloth depicting the events leading to the Norman conquest of England in 1066.
The Bayeux Tapestry was commissioned around 1077, likely by Bishop Odo, it details the invasion, crossing of the sea, and key moments of the conquest. The closest known Halley's appearance occurred in 837 BCE.
Detail of Halley's Comet Unknown author - Bayeux Tapestry, (Embroidered cloth)
Seljuk Turks capture Baghdad, leading to the decline of the Abbasid Caliphate.
Battle of Manzikert: The Seljuk Turks defeat the Byzantine Empire, leading to Turkish dominance in Anatolia.
Pope Alexander II dies after a papacy that advanced many reforms in the Catholic Church.
The Synod of Worms condemns Pope Gregory VII and excommunicates Henry IV, Holy Roman Emperor.
Henry IV, Holy Roman Emperor, submits to Pope Gregory VII at Canossa, seeking absolution.
Alexios I Komnenos becomes Byzantine Emperor on April 4, 1081 after leading a successful revolt that forced the elderly Nikephoros III Botaneiates to abdicate and retire to a monastery.
Alexios I Komnenos becomes Byzantine emperor after the death of Nikephoros III Botaneiates.
William the Conqueror, King of England, dies in Rouen, France.
The Battle of Levounion: The Byzantine Empire defeats the Pechenegs.
Malcolm III of Scotland, husband of Saint Margaret of Scotland, dies in battle against the English.
Pope Urban II presides over the Council of Piacenza, calling for the First Crusade.
Pope Paschal II crowns Henry V as Holy Roman Emperor on April 13, 1111, in St. Peter's Basilica, following a violent conflict where Henry took the Pope prisoner, forcing the coronation and secure rights of imperial investiture. This coerced agreement was later repudiated by the church, continuing the Investiture Controversy.
Grand Prince Sviatopolk II of Kyiv is murdered, on April 16, 1113 leading to political unrest in Kievan Russia. He ruled from 1093 to 1113. Sviatopolk's Christian name was Michael and he supported the St. Michael's Golden-Domed Monastery in Kyiv.
His murder was followed by a revolt by the people as they attacked the homes of boyars (Russian aristocracy) and merchants (specifically Jewish usurers and Varangian officials) who were perceived as corrupt or exploitative. The elite circles and the populace invited Sviatopolk' cousin and rival Vladimir II Monomakh to take the throne, which he accepted.
The Pisan fleet sacks the North African city of Mahdia.
Baldwin of Bourcq, was crowned King of Jerusalem, Baldwin II of Jerusalem, on Easter Sunday, April 14, 1118, succeeding his cousin Baldwin I. Known as a warrior-king, he focused on expanding the kingdom while defending against Seljuk and Fatimid invasions. He also established the military order of the Knights Templar.
He died on August 21, 1131, passing the throne to his daughter, Queen Melisende.
David I becomes King of Scotland.
The Second Council of the Lateran, presided over by Pope Innocent II, begins.