Directory

1045 CE

Edward the Confessor, King of England, marries Edith of Wessex (daughter of Earl Godwin) and she is crowned queen consort at Winchester. This year also in England, Edward begins construction of Westminster Abbey. Emperor Go-Reizei ascends the throne of Japan. Pope Gregory VI becomes the 148th pope, following the resignation of Pope Benedict IX in exchange for money. There are growing allegations that simony is taking place during Gregory VI's reign.

Conflict & Security

  • The Bagratid Kingdom of Armenia is surrendered to the Byzantine Empire, ending the Kingdom.source

Exploration & Expansion

  • Harald Hardrada returns to Scandinavia through Sigtuna in Sweden, after escaping from the Byzantine Empire with a fortune.source

Religion & Belief

  • January 20 – Pope Sylvester III becomes the 146th pope, succeeding Benedict IX, who abdicated during the previous year.source
  • January 23 – Edward the Confessor, King of England, marries Edith of Wessex (daughter of Earl Godwin) and she is crowned queen consort at Winchester. This year also in England, Edward begins construction of Westminster Abbey.source
  • February – Pope Sylvester III is deposed (election deemed invalid); Pope Benedict IX is elected once more, becoming the 147th pope.source
  • May 5 – Pope Gregory VI becomes the 148th pope, following the resignation of Pope Benedict IX in exchange for money. There are growing allegations that simony is taking place during Gregory VI's reign.source

Economy & Finance

  • The Qingli Reforms, put forth by the Chinese statesman Fan Zhongyan in 1043, are halted by their conservative ministerial peers, but will later influence reform efforts under Wang Anshi.source

Science & Discovery

  • Movable type printing is invented by Bi Sheng in China.source

Culture & Society

  • February 5 – Emperor Go-Reizei ascends the throne of Japan.source

Births

  • Robert of Arbrissel (d. 1116), Bretonic preacher and founder of Fontevraud Abbeysource
  • Huang Tingjian, famous Chinese calligrapher, painter and poet (d. 1105)source
  • Margaret, queen consort of Scotland (d. 1093)source
  • Stephen, Count of Blois (d. 1102)source

Deaths

  • February 7 – Emperor Go-Suzaku of Japan (b. 1009)source
  • May 27 – Bruno of Würzburg, imperial chancellor of Italy (b. c. 1005)source
  • June 27 – Hemma of Gurk, Austrian religious founder and countess (b. 980)source
  • Radbot, Count of Habsburg (b. 985)source
  • Approximate date – Maria Skleraina, Byzantine Imperial political advisersource