Sicilian Vespers massacre the French
March 30, 1282
On Easter Monday a drunken French sergeant harassed a Palermitan bride outside the church of Santo Spirito. A riot exploded into a coordinated uprising that killed thousands of Frenchmen across Sicily within weeks. Charles of Anjou lost half his kingdom overnight. The revolt's speed and coordination suggest advance planning, possibly with the backing of Peter III of Aragon and Byzantine gold.
In context
Also in 1282 (3 other events on record)
- Llywelyn the Last killed at Cilmeri · Europe · War
- Peter III of Aragon lands in Sicily · Europe · War
- Edward I issues Welsh coinage reform · Europe · Politics
Before and after in Europe
Before and after in War
Era
High Middle Ages (1000–1300), one of 1,306 events from that era on Saeculum.
Sources