Emperor Takakura of Japan abdicates the throne in favor of his son, Emperor Antoku.
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What Happened in March?
The first Olympic games, the founding of dynasties, and legendary battles. Explore historic milestones from March that influenced today's world. Dates for earlier events may be approximate.
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Emperor Antoku of Japan abdicates the throne and is succeeded by his mother, Taira no Tokuko.
Third Crusade: Crusaders massacre the Jewish population of York, England.
Philip of Swabia is elected King of Germany on March 8, 1198. by a group of pro-Hohenstaufen princes following the death of his brother, Henry VI. A rival faction elected Otto IV on June 9, 1198, leading to a contested and prolonged civil war over the throne. Philip was ultimately crowned in Aachen in 1205 after gaining more support, and his reign continued until his assassination in 1208.
Richard I of England is wounded by a crossbow bolt while besieging the castle of Châlus-Chabrol and dies days later.
King Amalric II of Jerusalem dies.
1208 CE, c. March
Pope Innocent III issued the papal bull that called for the Albigensian Crusade against the Cathar heretics in southern France in 1208. The bull was issued after a papal legate, Pierre de Castelnau, was assassinated, which Innocent III saw as an attack on his authority.
Innocent III offered indulgences (forgiveness for sins) to participants and promised the lands of the heretics to any noble who would fight.
Pope Innocent III places England under an interdict as part of the dispute with King John.
The Battle of Las Navas de Tolosa: Christian forces decisively defeat the Almohads in Spain.
Pope Honorius III issues the papal bull Religiosam vitam initiating the Fifth Crusade.
Mongol invasion of Central Asia: The Battle of the Kalka River takes place between the Mongol Empire and Kievan Rus.
King Louis IX of France becomes of age and begins to rule independently.
The Mongols under Batu Khan capture the city of Vladimir, Russia.
Battle of Liegnitz: Mongols defeat a Polish army under Henry II the Pious during their invasion of Poland.
Siege of Montségur during the Albigensian Crusade: The Cathar stronghold falls to the Crusaders.
William of Rubruck departs on his journey to the Mongol Empire.
The Mongols under Hulagu Khan capture and sack Baghdad, effectively ending the Abbasid Caliphate.
Hulagu Khan's Mongol army defeats the Mamluks at the Battle of Ain Jalut in Palestine, marking the first Mongol defeat.
Battle of Benevento: Charles of Anjou defeats Manfred, King of Sicily.
King Louis IX of France dies while on the Eighth Crusade, leading to his son, Philip III, becoming king.