1170
Murder of Thomas Becket
Four of Henry II's knights, spurred by their king's angry musings at his Christmas court, rode for Canterbury, cornered the archbishop in his own cathedral…
Syria earthquake
A massive earthquake rattled the Levant from Aleppo to Damascus, toppling Crusader castles and Muslim citadels alike.
Anglo-Normans take Dublin
Strongbow's forces stormed the wooden city walls and chased its Norse king Hasculf out to sea.
Lubeck refounded
Henry the Lion, duke of Saxony, refounded the city of Lubeck at the head of the Trave estuary after a fire.
Coronation of the Young King
Henry II had his fifteen-year-old son crowned king of England during his own lifetime - partly to ensure the succession, partly to provoke Becket…
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Frequently asked
What happened in the year 1170?
Saeculum lists 5 events from 1170. The most significant is Murder of Thomas Becket.
What era was 1170 part of?
1170 falls within the High Middle Ages (1000-1300). Crusades, cathedrals, and the slow waking of Europe.
Which regions saw notable events in 1170?
The events from 1170 span Europe and Middle East.