1045 CE

Edward the Confessor, King of England, marries Edith of Wessex (daughter of Earl Godwin) and she is crowned queen consort at Winchester. This year also in England, Edward begins construction of Westminster Abbey. Emperor Go-Reizei ascends the throne of Japan. Pope Gregory VI becomes the 148th pope, following the resignation of Pope Benedict IX in exchange for money. There are growing allegations that simony is taking place during Gregory VI's reign.

In the 1040s, the 11th century.

Conflict & Security

  • The Bagratid Kingdom of Armenia is surrendered to the Byzantine Empire, ending the Kingdom.source

Exploration & Expansion

  • Harald Hardrada returns to Scandinavia through Sigtuna in Sweden, after escaping from the Byzantine Empire with a fortune.source

Religion & Belief

  • January 20 – Pope Sylvester III becomes the 146th pope, succeeding Benedict IX, who abdicated during the previous year.source
  • January 23 – Edward the Confessor, King of England, marries Edith of Wessex (daughter of Earl Godwin) and she is crowned queen consort at Winchester. This year also in England, Edward begins construction of Westminster Abbey.source
  • February – Pope Sylvester III is deposed (election deemed invalid); Pope Benedict IX is elected once more, becoming the 147th pope.source
  • May 5 – Pope Gregory VI becomes the 148th pope, following the resignation of Pope Benedict IX in exchange for money. There are growing allegations that simony is taking place during Gregory VI's reign.source

Economy & Finance

  • The Qingli Reforms, put forth by the Chinese statesman Fan Zhongyan in 1043, are halted by their conservative ministerial peers, but will later influence reform efforts under Wang Anshi.source

Science & Discovery

  • Movable type printing is invented by Bi Sheng in China.source

Culture & Society

Births

  • Robert of Arbrissel (died 1116), Bretonic preacher and founder of Fontevraud Abbeysource
  • Huang Tingjian, famous Chinese calligrapher, painter and poet (died 1105)source
  • Margaret, queen consort of Scotland (died 1093)source
  • Stephen, Count of Blois (died 1102)source

Deaths

  • February 7 – Emperor Go-Suzaku of Japan (born 1009)source
  • May 27 – Bruno of Würzburg, imperial chancellor of Italy (born c. 1005)source
  • June 27 – Hemma of Gurk, Austrian religious founder and countess (born 980)source
  • Radbot, Count of Habsburg (born 985)source
  • Approximate date – Maria Skleraina, Byzantine Imperial political advisersource