1259

For broader historical context, see 1250s and 13th century.

Years: 1256 1257 1258 - 1259 - 1260 1261 1262

Decades: 1220s 1230s 1240s - 1250s - 1260s 1270s 1280s

Centuries: 12th century - 13th century - 14th century 1259 state leaders

Events

Europe

• September - The Empire of Nicaea defeats the Principality of Achaea at the Battle of Pelagonia, ensuring the eventual reconquest of Constantinople in 1261.
• December 4 - Kings Louis IX of France and Henry III of England agree to the Treaty of Paris, in which Henry renounces his claims to French-controlled territory on continental Europe (including Normandy) in exchange for Louis withdrawing his support for English rebels.
• The famous frescoes of the Boyana Church in Bulgaria are completed (the church and its murals are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site).
• The German cities of Lübeck, Wismar, and Rostock enter into a pact to defend against pirates of the Baltic Sea, laying the groundwork for the Hanseatic League.
• Nogai Khan leads the second Mongol Golden Horde attack against Poland.

Asia

• Lannathai, a kingdom in the north of Thailand, is founded by King Mengrai.
• The Goryeo kingdom in Korea surrenders to invading Mongol forces.
• The Chinese era Kaiqing begins and ends in the Northern Song Dynasty of China.
• The Japanese Shoka era ends, and the Shogen era begins.

Births

• Pietro Cavallini, Italian painter (died 1330)
• Demetre II of Georgia (died 1289)
• John II of Jerusalem (died 1285)
• Richard Og de Burgh, 2nd Earl of Ulster (died 1326)

Deaths

• May 29 - King Christopher I of Denmark (born 1219)
• November 18 - Adam Marsh, English scholar and theologian
• Gojong of Goryeo
• Ezzelino da Romano III, Italian ruler
• Möngke Khan of the Mongol Empire
• Matthew Paris, French chronicler
• Thomas II of Savoy

See also