1049 CE

Theodwin, prince-bishop of Liège, defeats Count Dirk IV of West Frisia near Dordrecht and restores imperial authority in the Rhine Delta. Pope Leo IX succeeds Damasus II, as the 152nd pope of the Catholic Church. He goes on a one-year trip to promote the cause of the reformist program among the European prelates. The Banu Hilal, a confederation of tribes of Arabia, begin their invasion in the Maghreb (North Africa). They are organized by the Egyptian Fatimid Caliphate to punish their former Zirid vassals.

In the 1040s, the 11th century.

Geopolitics & Diplomacy

  • The Republic of Pisa successfully completes the conquest of Sardinia, from the Andalusian occupiers. [Dubious claim; since Sardinia was already governed by the Giudici by this time]source

Conflict & Security

  • The Banu Hilal, a confederation of tribes of Arabia, begin their invasion in the Maghreb (North Africa). They are organized by the Egyptian Fatimid Caliphate to punish their former Zirid vassals.source
  • Spring – Pecheneg Revolt: Emperor Constantine IX decides to transfer 15,000 Pecheneg warriors from their positions in the Balkans to the eastern front. Upon approaching the Bosporus, the Pechenegs decide to turn back, and march through Bulgaria, until they reach the Byzantine city of Serdia. Later, joined by followers, the Pecheneg tribes raise the banner of revolt in Thrace.source

Exploration & Expansion

  • Viking Irish raiders ally with King Gruffydd ap Rhydderch of Gwent in raiding along the River Severn.source

Religion & Belief

  • January 13 – Theodwin, prince-bishop of Liège, defeats Count Dirk IV of West Frisia near Dordrecht and restores imperial authority in the Rhine Delta.source
  • February 12 – Pope Leo IX succeeds Damasus II, as the 152nd pope of the Catholic Church. He goes on a one-year trip to promote the cause of the reformist program among the European prelates.source

Technology & Infrastructure

  • The Iron Pagoda in Kaifeng is constructed, during the Chinese Song dynasty.source

Births

  • October 9 – Seonjong, king of Goryeo (died 1094)source
  • Rhiryd ap Bleddyn, king of Powys (died 1088)source
  • Saw Lu, king of the Pagan Kingdom (died 1084)source
  • Peter de Honestis, Italian monk (approximate date)source
  • John Theristus, Italian Benedictine monk (died 1129)source
  • Hermann II, count palatine of Lotharingia (died 1085)source
  • Godelieve, Flemish saint (approximate date)source
  • Li Gonglin, Chinese painter and antiquarian (died 1106)source

Deaths