1254
For broader historical context, see 13th century.
Events
EuropeWar and politics December 2 - Manfred of Sicily defeats army of Pope Innocent IV at Foggia. King Louis IX of France, having exhausted his funds and being needed at home, abandons the Seventh Crusade (which he had conducted first in Egypt and then Syria) and returns to France. King Louis IX of France expels all Jews from France. King Afonso III of Portugal holds the first session of the Cortes (Portugal's general assembly composed of nobles, members of the middle class, and representatives from all municipalities) in Leiria. In England, an important step in the evolution of the Parliament and Peerage occurs, as lesser barons are replaced on the King's Council by elected representatives from shires and cities. Pope Innocent IV excommunicates Conrad IV of Germany and Rudolph I of Germany (later elected Holy Roman Emperor). The Ghibelline town of Pistoia is taken over by Guelph Florence.
Culture The Danish city of Copenhagen receives its city charter. The Catholic dogma of purgatory is clarified and so named by the Catholic church. The Horses of Saint Mark, once supposed to have adorned the Arch of Trajan in ancient Rome, are installed at Saint Mark's Basilica in Venice. The Swedish city of Malmö is founded. Construction is begun on the Cathedral of Saint Martin in Utrecht.
Asia Byzantines defeat Bulgarians in the Battle of Adrianople.The classic Japanese text Kokin Chomonjo is completed.
Births September 15 - Marco Polo, Venetian merchant and explorer Floris V, Count of Holland Zhao Mengfu, Chinese scholar, painter, and calligrapher Ren Renfa, Chinese painter
Deaths March - William de Ferrers, 5th Earl of Derby May 21 - Conrad IV of Germany November 3 - John III Ducas Vatatzes, Byzantine Emperor December 7 - Pope Innocent IV Silvester de Everdon, English bishop
See also List of state leaders in 1254
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