1285

Political Events

The Angevin king of Sicily Carlos I (Charles d'Anjou) dies at Foggia January 7 at age 58 as he prepares to invade Sicily again with a new fleet from Provence. His son Charles the Lame, 34, remains a prisoner of the king of Aragon but beginning in 1289 will reign until 1309 as Carlos II (but see 1291).

France's Philippe III invades Aragon in an effort to dethrone Pedro III but suffers a disastrous defeat and dies of plague at Perpignan October 5 at age 40 while retreating from Gerona. Philippe the Bold is succeeded after a 15-year reign by his 17-year-old son, who will rule until 1314 as Philippe IV in one of the nation's most momentous reigns.

Pedro III (Pedro el Grande) of Aragon dies at Villafranca del Panades, Catalonia, November 11 at age 46 after a 9-year reign, having repelled the French invasion of his realm. Famous for his prodigious strength and commanding presence, he is succeeded in Aragon, Catalonia, and Valencia by his 20-year-old son, who will reign weakly until his death in 1291 as Alfonso III, and in Sicily by his son Jaime, 21 (see 1291).

Medicine

The plague that kills Philippe III turns the French back from their march into Aragon, killing most of the army's officers and many of the men as well as the king.

Religion

Pope Martin IV dies at Perugia March 28 after a 4-year reign and is succeeded April 2 by the aged and crippled Rome-born Giacomo Cardinal Savelli, a grandnephew of the late Urban IV, who will reign until 1287 as Honorius IV.

Environment

Smog problems develop as Londoners burn soft coal for heat and cooking (see Newcastle, 1233). City officials appoint a commission to study the problem (see 1306).

1281 1282 1283 1284 1285 1286 1287 1288 1289 1290