TWELFTH CENTURY. (1100-1200.) GERMAN EMPIRE. The power of the German Empire declines, Germany and Italy beginning to divide into various independent states. Sicily, however, at the end of the century is united to the empire. ITALIAN REPUBLICS. The cities of Northern Italy secure their independence in the latter half of this century, and rise to great distinction. The Norman dynasty in Sicily and Italy ceases, the power passing into the hands of the German emperors. The EASTERN EMPIRE loses and gains in extent of territory, but towards the end of the century recovers much territory in Europe. The MAHOMETAN STATES in Egypt and Asia are united under the rule of Saladin, who forms a new Mahometan power. Saladin takes Jerusalem in 1187. The kingdom of FRANCE in this century is hemmed in by the two great powers of Normandy and Aquitaine. ENGLAND is under its Norman rulers, who also reign over Normandy and Aquitaine, holding possessions in France superior to those of the French king. IRELAND is conquered in 1172 by England. DENMARK reaches its highest point of political power in this century. The northern part of the SPANISH PENINSULA is divided among the five Christian powers (PORTUGAL, LEON, CASTILE, ARAGON, NAVARRE), which are engaged in constant struggles with the Moors occupying the southern portion. PORTUGAL becomes a kingdom in 1139. JERUSALEM is taken by Saladin in 1187, and nearly all Palestine thus wrested from the Christians by the Mahometans. SICILY. See above, under GERMAN EMPIRE. Most of the powers of modern Europe have by this time come into existence. |