1197
Lalibela ascends in Ethiopia
The Zagwe king Gebre Meskel Lalibela took the throne and began rebuilding his mountain capital as a New Jerusalem, commissioning a dozen churches carved…
Jayavarman VII builds the Bayon
At the geometric center of his newly constructed capital Angkor Thom, the Khmer king Jayavarman VII raised the Bayon - a man-made mountain of stone carved…
Death of Henry VI
At thirty-two, the Hohenstaufen emperor who had inherited Germany and conquered Sicily died of malaria at Messina while preparing a new crusade.
German crusade to the Holy Land
Before his death the Hohenstaufen emperor had gathered crusader contingents from across Germany and staged them in southern Italy to sail for the Holy Land.
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Frequently asked
What happened in the year 1197?
Saeculum lists 4 events from 1197. The most significant is Lalibela ascends in Ethiopia.
What era was 1197 part of?
1197 falls within the High Middle Ages (1000-1300). Crusades, cathedrals, and the slow waking of Europe.
Which regions saw notable events in 1197?
The events from 1197 span Africa, Southeast Asia, Europe and Middle East.