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.
Pope Gregory VII excommunicates Henry IV for a second time.
Alexios I Komnenos becomes Byzantine emperor after the death of Nikephoros III Botaneiates.
Alfonso VI of Castile and León captures Toledo, Spain, from the Moors.
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.
Henry V is crowned Holy Roman Emperor in Rome by Pope Paschal II under duress.
Pope Paschal II crowns Henry V, Holy Roman Emperor, in Rome.
The Pisan fleet sacks the North African city of Mahdia.
David I becomes King of Scotland.
Henry V, Holy Roman Emperor, dies.