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A moment in history

Who ruled the world in 1245?

12 thrones active across 12 rulers, a snapshot of the 13th century.

1245 was a contentious year in Europe, particularly for the papacy. Pope Innocent IV convened the First Council of Lyon to address escalating conflict between the Catholic Church and the Holy Roman Emperor, Frederick II. In July, they deemed Frederick guilty of perjury and heresy and deposed and excommunicated him. They also stripped King Sancho II of Portugal of his power, deeming him unfit to rule, and gave his powers over to his brother, Afonso. Meanwhile, in Asia, Emperor Go-Saga of Japan began laying the groundwork to abdicate the throne, preparing for his toddler son, Go-Fukakusa, to succeed him the following year.
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Explore who held power in each world throne this year.

Chronicle

Key events of 1245

  • 16 AprPope Innocent IV sends John of Plano Carpini to the Mongol court
  • 1 MaySiege of Damascus begins under As-Salih Ayyub's forces
  • 28 JunFirst Council of Lyon opens
  • 6 JulHenry III begins rebuilding Westminster Abbey
  • 17 JulCouncil of Lyon deposes Emperor Frederick II
  • 24 JulPope Innocent IV issues Grandi non immerito against Sancho II of Portugal
  • 2 OctDamascus surrenders to As-Salih Ayyub; Mu'in al-Din enters the city
  • 1 DecCastilian forces under Ferdinand III continue the siege of Jaén

From the library

Go deeper on 1245

Histories tied to the people, places, and turning points that defined this year across the world.

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