The Second Millenium

[Vince53]

1359

France finally wins something in the Hundred Years War. After being captured in battle, the French King had signed a treaty with England granting the English much of western France. But the French government rejects the treaty and forces England to accept a smaller amount of territory.

Murand the Sultan begins his thirty year reign over the Ottoman Empire. By the time he is through, he has seized territory from the Moslems who surround him and has expanded into southeastern Europe. He even forces the Byzantine Empire to pay him tribute.

 

[Vince53]

1360 marks a lull in the Hundred Years War. In return for land that includes two cities, England's King Edward III renounces his claim to the French throne and returns France's captured King.

It's a rough year for Grenada, one of the few remaining Moslem kingdoms in Spain. Two kings are overthrown in one year.

Geoffrey the Baker was a Clerk who liked to interview important people and record what they said. He dies this year, but his history of this period contains a lot of valuable information.

 

[Vince53]

1361

The Marinid Dynasty ruled the entire northwestern coast of Africa. Sufferng a series of defeats when they tried to invade Catholic Spain, the went into a decline. This year, they overthrow two of their own kings.

A few decades after the death of Genghis Khan, his empire had divided into four parts. One of them, The Blue Horde, had been declining for some time. This year it descends into a chaos that it never comes out of.

The Red Turbans, who are in rebellion against the Mongol rulers of China, capture the capital of Korea. Korea had been part of China after centuries of independence, and although the Koreans had fought their way to independence again, they had agreed to pay tribute to the Mongolian rulers.

 

[Vince53]

1362 is a rough year for has-been Empires.

In January, the first "Great Drowning of Men" occurs. A massive hurricane hits England, Germany, the Netherlands, and Denmark, destroying some islands, building some new ones, and destroying towns located on islands. At least 25,000 people are killed.

Urban VI begins his eight year reign as Pope. A French priest who had been a successful college professor, he was a compromise candidate, mainly because none of the current cardinals wanted to be elected. Shortly after his election, French cardinals elected a rival Pope, and the Catholic Church once more had two Popes. As Pope, Urban founded several colleges and universities and provided scholarships to over 1,000 students. He actually managed to enter Rome in triumph (the Papacy was still centered in Avignon, France) but had to leave due to political unrest throughout Italy.

With a temporary truce in the Hundred Years War (which was actually a series of wars), France decides to take on a free company of mercenaries that controlled one area of France. But the French army is virtually annihilated.

Paliament declares English to be the oficial language of England. Don't laugh: pars of England still spoke French.

The once-great Mongolian Empire continues its decline as Lithuania captures Kiev, a major Russian city, from them.

Turks seize two more cities from the Byzantine Empire. The once-mighty Empire now consists of Constantinople and small isolated territories.

A massive volcanic eruption in Iceland destroys a small area around it.

 

[Vince53]

1363

You never heard of the Battle of Lake Poyang (China's largest fresh-water lake) but it was one of the largest naval battles in history. Loyalist forces attack a rebel-held city from both land and sea, eventually losing most of their 650,000 man army and navy. A coalition of rebels defeat the Mongol rulers of China, bringing in about 200,000 men in smaller, more maneuverable ships. The victorious rebels lose less than 2,000 men killed. The battle lasts for five days.

Speaking of naval battles, the Byzantine Empire defeats a Turkish fleet off the Greek coast.

Sultan Husan had grown up in poverty despite being heir to Egypt. Taking the throne, he was extravagant, and he spent three years constructing the Mosque of Sultan Husan. This magnificent structure, which is still in use, contained four schools and was an architectural marvel due to its size and various styles.

 

[Vince53]

1364

Charles the Wise begins his sixteen year reign over a shattered France. He quickly re-unites various provinces, strengthens the economy, and restores law and order. He establishes France's first professional, paid army, recaptures much of the land taken by the English, and even builds a navy that attacks the English coast.

In Italy, Florence defeats Pisa in a major battle that stops Pisa from pillaging the entire area. For those who came in late, all of Italy was supposedly part of the Holy Roman Empire. It had broken up into city-States that had their own governments and armed forces, and they had serious trade rivalries that often broke out into open warfare.

Swedish nobles depose both their rival kings and elect a new one.

Poland founds the University of Krakow, still one of the best universities in the world.

 

[Vince53]

1365

About this time, John Wycliffe, a Catholic priest and very successful leader at Oxford University, begins his campaign against the corruption of the Catholic Church. Over time, Wycliffe's beliefs developed and changed. A devout Catholic, he opposed the worldliness and wealth of the clergy, demanding a return to Apostolic simplicity. He developed the belief that a person needed to be saved, but that SALVATION IS ATTAINED BY WORKS. It wil surprise many of his admirers to learn that Wycliffe lived and died a Catholic and never taught salvation by faith.
Wycliffe eventually developed the belief that if an individual were right with God, he no longer needed the Church. But what really got him into conflict was his insistence that a corrupt priest could not administer effectual sacraments. If that is the case, a Catholic could never be sure that the sacraments he received did any good, so the Catholic would need to seek a personal relationship with God. This reduced the Church to teaching and encouraging, yet Wycliffe believed that it was the one true Church.
He rejected the current Catholic doctrine that salvation is impossible outside the Church (the Catholic Church has since repudiated that doctrine) and taught that the Pope is the Antichrist. He got into unconditional election, but partly backed away from it. He taught that the true Church consists of those who are saved, not those who are Catholic.
He founded the Lollards ("Mumblers"), priests who went around England reading the Scriptures (which he had personally translated into English) to peasants and common people. It appears that he had help from associates, especially with the Old Testament. His movement grew greatly, but since he essentially taught obedience to the Catholic Church, persecution was light.
Called "The Morning Star of the Reformation," he taught a theology that was half-Catholic and half-Protestant, although there would be no Protestants until the Sixteenth Century.
And while he received a lot of criticism, he continued to pastor a Catholic church, eventually dying a natural death. Forty-three years after he died, the Catholic Church dug him up and burned him at the stake.

 

[Vince53]

Return to 1365

Learning that Egypt was planning to attack Cyprus, Cyprus launches a surprise attack on Alexandria. Invading from two landing spots, they surround and destroy the city's defending army and then spend three days looting and destroying the city. Realizing that they cannot hold on against surrounding Moslems, they permanently withdraw.

 

[Vince53]

1366

In southern India (which does not yet exist) a rival Moslem and Buddhist nation go to war, massacring tens of thousands of each other's civilians.

In China, the Red Turban rebels begin fortifying their new capital at Nanjing. Most of China is still held by the crumbling Mongolian Empire.

In Belgium, "The Horn" begins paying taxes on their beer. By the 1930's, it was one of the largest brewing companies in the world. Owned today by Anheuser-Busch, it stoppped operations during World War 2 but is still in business.

 

[sadashivan]

In the entire history of Judea, exodus and slavery took place constantly. Hebrew race was most oppressed slaves in all the civilizations; however, overtime they became most powerful financiers and traders. Hebrews came from Ur with father Abraham in circa 2000BC. According to Biblical story [Genesis 11-31 - Terah took his son Abram, his grandson Lot son of Haran, and his daughter-in-law Sarai, the wife of his son Abram, and together they set out from Ur of the Chaldeans to go to Canaan. But when they came to Harran, they settled there]. Later they moved to Canaan (area approximately modern Israel and West Bank), the land he found to be of his taste. Began agriculture, animal breeding, pottery making, and traded with neighbouring nations. Trade and foreign relationship flourished but did not last long (Genesis 12-10) - Canaan fertile land began to dry and famine engulfed all over, as a result Abraham with all his people moved to Egypt. They continued living in Egypt as slaves for over centuries after Abraham’s demise. As a saviour for the slaves, one man rose as revolutionist who was “Moses” Exodus-3. Moses argued with Pharaoh for release of slaves and to allow freedom Exodus- 5 to them. When Egypt suffered epidemic plague, Moses succeeded to influence release of Hebrew slaves and led them to Canaan where they settled. While returning from Egypt they gathered technology (Exodus 31) through their work experience in agriculture, stone cutting, garments, furnishing, incense, crafting gold, silver, bronze, wood, and iron (Exodus 32:4). Installing vast experience into practice resulted high growth in trade within and overseas. But did not last long, approximately 1300 or 1200BC Philistine (“Plesheth” the sea people from Crete island from Aegean area) invaded. As a result political and economical disarray lasted until they realized to have strong leader “David” to take over. King David ruled for about 40 years from approximately 1010-970BC united all 12 Hebrew tribes together and won battles.

[“The Judea (Mathew 24:16-18)”] King Solomon became king approximately 967BC extended his rule form Euphrates river in North to Egypt in South. He inherited the kingdom from his father King David, although he faced opposition from his rivals but cleared all the obstacles. During his reign Israel’s prospects was at peak soon famed his wealth, construction of holy temple in Jerusalem, trade relationship and justice system in neighbouring nations. The Sheba was among the closest trade partner. After his demise in 930BC the kingdom was divided in north as Israel with capital in Samaria and in south as Judah with capital in Jerusalem and remained separate states for over 200 years. These states never survived long as a result of weak and corrupt Governance. In 722BC Assyrians invaded Israel and disintegrated all the tribes in small settlements spread over the entire Arabian Peninsula. After failing to invade Egypt by Babylonia, Judah refused paying tribute. In 597BC invaded and appointed representing king who would take care of Babylonia. However, Judah in secret association with Egypt revolted that resulted reinvasion in 589BC Judah’s capital destroying the temple and the city. Took its people captive and moved to Babylonia as slaves. Babylonia located them in one place and retained their religion and identity intact. Jews got their identity when returned free after Cyrus II the King of Persia in 539-538BC invaded Babylonia and freed Jews to resettle in their city. Israel and Judea were same before division of kingdom in to two. However, in later stage are known in one identity as “Jews”. The strength of tolerance and ability to sustain they got from the Hebrew bible inscriptions.

At the time of sufferings Religion takes momentum to give strength. Jews temple laws and Roman bureaucratic prejudice became unpredictable infuriating Jews community overall fuelling to revolt. Jews were buried under heavy taxes, inflicting poverty and within Jews rivalries. Jews long wanted a Messiah to emerge and release from the persecution. 6BC when bright glowing star appeared in the sky, Jesus was born. After baptising by John Baptist in Jordon River, Jesus realized the purpose of his existence which gave strength to oppose persisting Jews and Roman religion and sacrificing rituals. He opening challenged the systems when arrived in Jerusalem fuelled the empire and Jews King. Jesus preaching established religion of new world order “Christianity” became threat to Romans and Jews who called him militant. In 1st century AD the cross and the pain he suffered during crucifixion roused people’s emotions thrived widespread campaign of Christianity.

Majority of population in Rome and its provinces were poor and downtrodden. The preaching of Jesus became inspiration, the depth of attachment gave momentum to movement that Romans and Jews priest did not expect. People who were against too became the followers. Saint Paul known as the persecutor of Christians was born in Jews family and his real name was Saul. On the way to Damascus revelation of Jesus influenced to spread Christianity to tens of thousands of miles reaching from Egypt and Asia Minor to Rome and Europe. Bible inscriptions guided to respect Debtors, poor and slaves. In ancient world slaves were bought and sold like commodities, however, in modern world it is sin. Bible was first step recognising slave as human. New Testament became holy book of Christians and began to follow inscriptions was one of the reasons exasperating Romans. During evolution they were easy targets to Romans, sacrificed lives until Christianity touched soul of humans. Only by admiration, new religion could penetrate hearts of people for establishing new world order. Finally achieved reorganisation in 313AD when Constantine Emperor adopted Christianity, since then Christianity became accepted region in Rome. Christianity managed to overhaul corrupt Jewish religion and brutal Roman regime.

 

[Vince53]

1367

For those who came in late, the Catholic Church had moved its capital to Avignon, France, and the King of France was the real Head of the Catholic Church. Seeking more Independence, Pope Urban V moves the capital back to Rome, but three years later, as a result of political turmoil, he is forced to move it back to Avignon.

Ferdinand I begins his incompetent 16 year reign over Portugal. Inheriting a country devastated by a previous civil war, he gets involved in an affair and dies without an heir, throwing Portugal into another civil war.

 

[saintandrew4life]

dont need a history report at this time

 

[Vince53]

1368 is a great year for China.

Victorious Chinese rebels capture Beijing, the Mongol ruler flees, and China re-emerges as an independent nation. They found the Ming Dynasty. Lasting 276 years, the Ming Dynasty, at its height, will control all of eastern and central China. Brutal (he had to be) and competent, Hongwu will rule his newly-freed nation for the next 31 years.

Japan carefully opens diplomatic relations with the Chinese government. They co-operate in eliminating Japanese pirates, and Japan professes itself to be a vassal state of China. They two nations begin centuries of profitable trade, with the Chinese regarding Japanese gifts as tribute.

For those who came in late, at its height, China had actually sent an army to invade the Roman Empire (the commanding general reached the outskirts of the Roman Empire, studied the situation, and wisely turned back). China has a history of splitting into various kingdoms and re-uniting through conquest.

For the last time, Norway sends a ship to its eastern settlement in Greenland. Afterwards, the European colonists in Greenland are forgotten.

 

[Vince53]

1369

France's King Charles V is feeling his oats. He finances a war in Catholic Spain, helps a Welsh rebel build a fleet to invade England, and renounces his peace treaty with England. He wins in Spain, the Welsh navy is sunk in a storm, and the English immediately seize a French city as the Hundred Years War resumes.

France completes the Bastile, a fortress protecting the east entry to Paris. The Bastille will become a legend of evil when the French turn it into a prison later.

Moslem Turks are on the move again, invading Bulgria. A small nation today, Bulgaria used to be an empire that at one point had actually conquered Greece.

 

[Vince53]

Welcome to 1370!

A series of court struggles leads Vietnam to appoint a series of short-term, incompetent Emperors, as their government slowly collapses. They are already seeing that last year's new Emperor was a mistake.

Louis of Hungary, a brilliant monarch and general, peacefully inherits the throne of Poland. He extends Hungary to its greatest extent, dying twelve years later.

Gregory XI begins his seven year reign as Pope. He vigorously fought John Wycliff's reforms. Logically, the Pope had a point. If a priest had to be in a state of grace in order to administer sacraments, then you couldn't trust the sacraments. If you couldn't trust the sacraments, you couldn't trust the Catholic Church.

Gregory failed to resolve the Hundred Years War, but he did negotiate peace between various Spanish and Italian Catholic kingdoms. He organized a successful war against Milan and did clean up a lot of corruption within the Church.

In his later years, Pope Gregory moved the Catholic capital from Avignon back to Rome, thus ending the "Babylonian Captivity" and decreasing the King of France's control over the Catholic Church. However, the chaos he caused by leaving France produced "The Great Schism" after his death.

 

[Vince53]

1371

Go Enyu begins his eleven year reign as Emperor of part of Japan. The kingdom had split between two rival Emperors a few decades ago. The new Emperor has little real power, as his father and uncle are ruling as cloistered Emperors. But the year before his own death, when he himself is a cloistered Emperor, the rift is healed and Japan re-unites.

Playing cards is first reported.

The Byzantine Empire pledges loyalty to the Moslem Turks' Ottoman Empire in order to make peace with them.

Serbia launches a massive surprise attack on Ottoman forces in Greece. But burdened by heavy armor and inferior tactics, they are defeated and most of their nobility are killed. The victorious Turks seize Macedonia and other areas.

 

[Vince53]

1372

Finally! The French win something in the Hundred Years War! Castille, a small Catholic kingdom in Spain, has been Feeling its oats as it tries to expand into the international trade routes. And Wales is trying to regain its Independence from England. They unite with France to defeat the English, and now France controls the English Channel.

Despite this victory, Castille is defeated again when it tries to invade Portugal.

"Property of Mary" begins his ten year reign as Emperor of Ethiopia. Except for dealing with raids on his southeastern frontier, his reign is uneventful.

 

[Vince53]

1373 is a great year for Portugal.

England and Portugal sign a treaty of friendship, which neither one has ever violated. It is the oldest still-enforced peace treaty in the world.

And while Lisbon erects a defensive wall because of Castille, the two nations sign a treaty that ends their war.

Byzantium puts down a brief rebellion by the Emperor's son. Having won, the Emperor has his son blinded.

Finding five statues inside a floating log, a woman convinces local villagers to pile up a mound of dirt for a temple. Thus, Phnom Penh, Cambodia's largest city, is founded.

 

[Vince53]

1374

The Mongolians had invaded and been beaten by Korea three times, but after the last time, Korea had agreed to pay them tribute in return for peace. But with Mongolia's hold in China broken, Korea ends the tribute. A general assassinates the pro-Chinese Emperor of Korea and places 11 year old Woo on the throne. Woo ruled eighteen years as a puppet of the military, before being replaced and then murdered.

The first record of St. Vitus Dance appears. Groups of people, sometimes numbering in the thousands, would dance until they collapsed from exhaustion. With no known cause or cure, it appears that many of the people simply wanted a break from their miserable, poverty-stricken lives.

 

[graciesings]

Thanks, this is so cool. New favorite thread. Subscribing!
(And taking notes)