1038 CE

An earthquake in Dingxiang, China kills an estimated 32,300. A battle occurs near the town of Alfuente, Andalucia, between the Taifa of Granada and the Taifa of Almeria, as described by the Jewish poet Samuel ibn Naghrela. Li Yuanhao proclaims himself Emperor of the Western Xia, declaring independence from the Song dynasty in China.

In the 1030s, the 11th century.

Geopolitics & Diplomacy

  • November 10 – Li Yuanhao proclaims himself Emperor of the Western Xia, declaring independence from the Song dynasty in China.source

Conflict & Security

  • August – A battle occurs near the town of Alfuente, Andalucia, between the Taifa of Granada and the Taifa of Almeria, as described by the Jewish poet Samuel ibn Naghrela.source
  • Duke Bretislav I of Bohemia invades Poland. He captures and destroys the cities of Gniezno and Poznań.source
  • Conrad II, Holy Roman Emperor ("the Elder") travels to Southern Italy and holds court in Troia. He orders Pandulf IV of Capua to restore the territories of Monte Cassino. Pandulf holes himself up in the fortress of Sant'Agata de' Goti, and dispatches tribute (300 lb of gold) and his son as hostage to Troia as a token of peace. Conrad accepts his offer, but the son escapes. Conrad goes on the offensive and seizes Capua, and gives it to Guaimar IV of Salerno.source

Exploration & Expansion

  • The name of Versailles, at this time a small village, appears for the first time in a medieval charter in France.source
  • Duke John II drives his brother Manso II and his mother Maria out of Amalfi. He has Manso blinded and exiled to the island of Sirenuse. John reconciles with Maria, and allows her to remain as co-ruler of Amalfi.source

Climate & Environment

  • January 9 – An earthquake in Dingxiang, China kills an estimated 32,300.source

Culture & Society

  • August 15 – On the death of his uncle, Stephen I, Peter Orseolo becomes the second ruler of Hungary.source

Births

  • Rostislav of Tmutarakan, Kievan Rus' prince (died 1066)source
  • Sancho Garcés, Lord of Uncastillo, Spanish nobleman (approximate date)source
  • Ibn Butlan, Arab Nestorian Christian physician (died 1075)source
  • Isaac ibn Ghiyyat, Jewish rabbi and philosopher (died 1089)source

Deaths