1233
Kaifeng falls and Jin dynasty collapses
After a winter-long siege punctuated by gunpowder shells and outbreaks of plague, the Jin capital surrendered to the joint Mongol and Song armies.
Kilwa Sultanate dominates East African gold trade
The Swahili city-state of Kilwa, on an island off the Tanzanian coast, seized control of Sofala's gold exports from Great Zimbabwe.
Coal mining expands in northern England
Monasteries and landlords in Northumberland and Durham began systematic extraction of surface coal seams, called sea coal because it was shipped south…
Mongols use gunpowder bombs at Kaifeng
Defending Jin soldiers reportedly used thunder-crash bombs and fire lances against Mongol besiegers, early deployments of gunpowder weapons.
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Frequently asked
What happened in the year 1233?
Saeculum lists 4 events from 1233. The most significant is Kaifeng falls and Jin dynasty collapses: After a winter-long siege punctuated by gunpowder shells and outbreaks of plague, the Jin capital surrendered to the joint Mongol and Song armies.
What era was 1233 part of?
1233 falls within the High Middle Ages (1000-1300). Crusades, cathedrals, and the slow waking of Europe.
Which regions saw notable events in 1233?
The events from 1233 span East Asia, Africa and Europe.