Editing 1096

{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2024}}
[[File:Coat of arms of the University of Oxford.svg|thumb|The [[University of Oxford]] is established.]]
{{About year|1096}}
{{Year nav|1096}}
{{C11 year in topic}} 
[[File:Peter the Hermit Preaching the First Crusade.jpg|upright=1.35|thumb|[[Peter the Hermit]] preaching in [[Cologne]], to gather followers for the [[People's Crusade]].]]
Year '''1096''' ('''[[Roman numerals|MXCVI]]''') was a [[leap year starting on Tuesday]] of the [[Julian calendar]].

== Events ==
<onlyinclude>

=== By place ===

==== First Crusade ====
* Spring &ndash; [[Peter the Hermit]] begins his preaching of the [[First Crusade]], traveling from [[Berry, France|Berry]] (in central [[France]]) across [[Champagne-Ardenne|Champagne]], and down the [[Meuse]] Valley to [[Cologne]] (modern [[Germany]]). He gathers the [[People's Crusade]] (some 40,000 supporters), which departs about [[April 20]]. Peter's speeches appeal not only to nobles and [[knight]]s, but also [[laborer]]s, [[trade]]smen and peasants (among them are former [[Brigandage|brigands]] and criminals).<ref>Steven Runciman (1951). ''A History of the Crusades. Volume I: The First Crusade and the Foundation of the Kingdom of Jerusalem'', p. 101. {{ISBN|978-0-141-98550-3}}.</ref>
* [[May]] &ndash; The People's Crusade, under Peter the Hermit, arrives at [[Sopron]]. [[Coloman, King of Hungary]] ("the Learned") gives them permission to pass through [[Kingdom of Hungary (1000-1301)|Hungary]], and to use the markets. Peter and his followers (some 20,000 men and women) travel from [[Budapest]] southwards supported by knights, while lumbering wagons carry stores and a chest of money that he has collected for the journey.
* [[May]] &ndash; The [[Rhineland massacres]]: Members of the People's Crusade led by Count [[Emicho]] destroy most of the Jewish communities along the [[Rhine]] in a series of large [[pogrom]]s in [[France in the Middle Ages|France]] and Germany. Thousands of Jews are massacred, driven to suicide, or forced to convert to [[Christianity]]. Estimates of the number of Jewish men, women and children murdered are 2,000 to 12,000.<ref>Gerd Mentgen. ''Crusades in Antisemitism: A Historical Encyclopedia of Prejudice and Persecution'' (Vol 1), ed. Richard S. Levy, pp. 151–53.</ref>
* [[May 8]] &ndash; French members of the People's Crusade led by [[Walter Sans Avoir]] enter Hungary, without incident they arrive at [[Zemun|Semlin]], and cross the [[Sava]] into Byzantine territory at [[Belgrade]]. Meanwhile, Walter demands food but he is refused entry, and the crusaders are forced to pillage the countryside. Eventually Walter is allowed to carry on to [[Niš]], where he is provided with food.<ref>Steven Runciman (1951). ''A History of the Crusades. Volume I: The First Crusade and the Foundation of the Kingdom of Jerusalem'', p. 102. {{ISBN|978-0-141-98550-3}}.</ref>
* [[May 18]]&ndash;26 &ndash; The [[Worms massacre (1096)|Worms massacre]]: Members of the People's Crusade under Emicho besiege [[Worms, Germany|Worms]] in the [[Rhineland]] before killing at least 800 Jews, despite the intervention of Bishop [[Adalbert II of Worms|Adalbert II]]. He tries to hide some of them in the bishop's palace, others chose to remain outside its walls. One of the victims is [[Minna of Worms]], an influential Jew among the Christian nobility.<ref>Chazan, R. (1996). ''European Jwery and the First Crusade'', p. 122.  University of California Press. {{ISBN|978-0-520-20506-2}}.</ref>
* [[May 27]] &ndash; Members of the People's Crusade under Emicho massacre at least 1,000 Jews in [[Mainz]]. Archbishop [[Ruthard of Mainz|Ruthard]] tries to hide some of them in the cellars of [[Mainz Cathedral]] but the crusaders learn of this – and murder most of the Jews. Men, women, and children of all ages are slaughtered indiscriminately.
* [[May 30]] &ndash; Members of the People's Crusade led by the priest Folkmar from [[Saxony]] persecute Jews in [[Prague]], despite the opposition of the local Catholic hierarchy. Local citizens try to hide them in their own houses. Later the Jews manage to escape to safety in neighboring villages, but are slaughtered by the hundreds.
* June &ndash; Members of the People's Crusade under Emicho set out up the [[Main (river)|Main]] towards Hungary. Some followers break off from Emicho's army at Mainz and travel to [[Metz]] – where many Jews are persecuted and murdered. They proceed down the Rhine, massacring the Jews at [[Neuss]], [[Grevenbroich|Wevelinghofen]], and [[Xanten]].<ref>Steven Runciman (1951). ''A History of the Crusades. Volume I: The First Crusade and the Foundation of the Kingdom of Jerusalem'', p. 115. {{ISBN|978-0-141-98550-3}}.</ref>
* June &ndash; The People's Crusade under Emicho are refused entry to Hungary on orders of Coloman, who sends troops to defend the bridge at [[Moson County|Wieselburg]]. Emicho decides to build an alternative bridge and crosses the [[Danube]]. He besieges the fortress of Wieselburg, but is defeated and routed by the Hungarian army.<ref>Steven Runciman (1951). ''A History of the Crusades. Volume I: The First Crusade and the Foundation of the Kingdom of Jerusalem'', pp. 116–117. {{ISBN|978-0-141-98550-3}}.</ref>
* June &ndash; [[Zemun Fortress|Siege of Semlin]]: The People's Crusade led by Peter the Hermit arrives at Semlin. Hearing rumors of an attack from the Hungarian count Guz of Semlin on the rearguard, Geoffrey Burel assaults the castle, captures it by surprise, and defeats the Hungarian army. He plunders its supplies, herds and horses.
* [[June 26]] &ndash; The People's Crusade (some 30,000 men) led by Peter the Hermit crosses the Sava (stealing boats from the local fishermen) but are attacked by [[Pechenegs]] and Hungarian forces. The citizens of Belgrade flee and the crusaders pillage and burn the city. Peter travels for seven days, and arrives at [[Niš]].<ref>Steven Runciman (1951). ''A History of the Crusades. Volume I: The First Crusade and the Foundation of the Kingdom of Jerusalem'', p. 104. {{ISBN|978-0-141-98550-3}}.</ref>
* July &ndash; The People's Crusade led by Peter the Hermit is defeated by the Byzantine army (mostly Hungarian and Bulgar mercenaries) in battle near Niš. The crusader supply train of some 2,000 wagons and Peter's treasury chest is captured by the Byzantines. About a quarter of the People's Crusade is lost.
* [[July 12]] &ndash; The People's Crusade led by Peter the Hermit reaches [[Sofia]], where they meet envoys from [[Constantinople]] with orders to keep them supplied along the road. At [[Plovdiv|Philippopolis]] the Greeks are so deeply moved by the suffering of Peter and his followers that the locals give them money, food and horses.<ref>Steven Runciman (1951). ''A History of the Crusades. Volume I: The First Crusade and the Foundation of the Kingdom of Jerusalem'', p. 105. {{ISBN|978-0-141-98550-3}}.</ref>
* [[August 1]] &ndash; The [[People's Crusade]] led by Peter the Hermit arrives at [[Constantinople]]. He is received by Emperor [[Alexios I Komnenos]], who gives him financial support. The crusaders commit endless thefts in the suburbs. Peter combines his forces with Walter Sans Avoir and camps outside Constantinople.
* [[August 2]]&ndash;6 &ndash; The People's Crusade reorganize their forces and gather supplies. Alexios I advises Peter the Hermit to wait for reinforcements but he ignores the advice. The People's army (some 30,000 men) is transported across the [[Bosporus]] – by the Byzantine fleet to [[Helenopolis (Bithynia)|Civetot]] (modern [[Turkey]]).
* August &ndash; [[Hugh, Count of Vermandois|Hugh]] ("the Great"), count of [[Vermandois]] (a brother of King [[Philip I of France|Philip I]]), departs to join the First Crusade. He travels with a [[Army of Hugh the Great on the First Crusade|small army]] via the [[Alps]] to [[Rome]]. While sailing the [[Adriatic Sea]] from [[Bari]] to [[Durrës|Dyrrachium]] his fleet is reduced by shipwreck. Hugh's own ship is stranded on the shore near [[Epirus]].
* August &ndash; [[Godfrey of Bouillon]], duke of [[Lower Lorraine]], accompanied by his younger brother [[Baldwin I of Jerusalem|Baldwin]], sets off to join the First Crusade (called by [[Pope Urban II]]) at the head of an army of some 40,000 men. He pledges his [[allegiance]] to Emperor [[Henry IV, Holy Roman Emperor|Henry IV]] who issues an order not to harm Jewish communities.
* September &ndash; French forces (7,000 infantry and 300 knights) led by [[Geoffrey Burel of Amboise|Geoffrey Burel]] raid around [[Nicaea]] (the capital of the Rum [[Seljuk Empire|Seljuk Turks]]), plundering livestock and villages in the suburbs. They commit atrocities against local Christian peasants. Children are tortured and dismembered by the crusaders.<ref>Steven Runciman (1951). ''A History of the Crusades. Volume I: The First Crusade and the Foundation of the Kingdom of Jerusalem'', pp. 107–108. {{ISBN|978-0-141-98550-3}}.</ref>
* September &ndash; German forces (5,000 infantry and 200 knights) led by Rainald of Breis raid the region of Nicaea. They advance eastward and assault the Seljuk garrison in the castle of [[Xerigordos]]. They manage to capture; and, find it well stocked with provisions. The Greek Christians inside are spared.
* [[September 29]] &ndash; [[Siege of Xerigordos]]: Sultan [[Kilij Arslan I]] sends a Seljuk expeditionary force to assault and recapture the castle of Xerigordos. They cut off the water supply, and Rainald of Breis is forced to surrender. Many of the crusaders are killed but others convert to [[Islam]] and become slaves.
* October &ndash; [[Robert Curthose]], duke of [[Duchy of Normandy|Normandy]] (a brother of King [[William II of England]]), sets off to join the First Crusade. He assembles his army at [[Pontarlier]] and travels through [[Kingdom of Italy (Holy Roman Empire)|Italy]] to Rome. To raise money for the Crusade Robert [[Mortgage loan|mortgages]] the Norman duchy to William, for the sum of 10,000 pennies.
* October &ndash; [[Raymond IV, Count of Toulouse|Raymond IV]] ("Saint-Gilles"), count of [[County of Toulouse|Toulouse]], sets off to join the First Crusade. He travels with his army, accompanied by his wife [[Elvira of Castile, Countess of Toulouse|Elvira]] and Bishop [[Adhemar of Le Puy]], via [[Provence]] through the [[Balkans|Balkan]] route (along the coast of [[Kingdom of Croatia (925–1102)|Croatia]]). He arrives at Dyrrachium to march to [[Thessaloniki]].
* October &ndash; [[Bohemond I of Antioch|Bohemond I]], Italo-Norman prince of [[Principality of Taranto|Taranto]] (the son of Duke [[Robert Guiscard]]), departs to join the First Crusade. He crosses the Adriatic Sea from [[Brindisi]] with his army (some 4,000 men), and arrives in [[Vorë]]. While traveling, Bohemond gives strict orders not to plunder Byzantine villages.
* [[October 21]] &ndash; [[Battle of Civetot]]: The Seljuk Turks led by Kilij Arslan I defeat the People's army (20,000 men) near Nicaea. The crusaders are slaughtered, and the camp at Civetot is captured. Only children are spared and sent into slavery. Around 3,000 manage to escape back to Constantinople.<ref>Steven Runciman (1951). ''A History of the Crusades. Volume I: The First Crusade and the Foundation of the Kingdom of Jerusalem'', p. 109. {{ISBN|978-0-141-98550-3}}.</ref>
* December &ndash; The last of the four planned Crusader armies arrives at Constantinople, bringing the total numbers to 60,000 infantry and knights. Curiously there isn't a single king among the Crusaders' leaders. At this time Philip I, William II, and Henry IV are all under [[excommunication]] by Urban II.
* [[December 25]] &ndash; Godfrey of Bouillon is appointed the primary leader of the First Crusade, making it a largely French war in practice and causing the inhabitants of the [[Holy Land]] to refer to Europeans generally as "Franks". Godfrey and the other leaders agree to take an oath of loyalty to Alexios I.

==== Europe ====
* King [[Alfonso VI of León and Castile|Alfonso VI]] ("the Brave") of [[Kingdom of Castile|Castile]] arranges to marry his daughter [[Theresa, Countess of Portugal|Theresa]] to [[Henry, Count of Portugal|Henry of Burgundy]] ([[House of Burgundy]]). Theresa's [[dowry]] includes the [[County of Portugal]], given to Henry with [[Porto]] as the capital.
* ''[[Reconquista]]'': King [[Peter I of Aragon and Pamplona|Peter I]] of [[Kingdom of Aragon|Aragon]] conquers [[Huesca]] from the Moors of the [[Taifa of Zaragoza]]. He expands his domains to the south, conquering land from [[Al Andalus]] (modern [[Spain]]). The capital is moved from [[Jaca]] to Huesca.<ref>{{cite book |last=Catlos |first=Brian A.|title=The victors and the vanquished: Christians and Muslims of Catalonia and Aragon, 1050-1300 |year=2004 |publisher=Cambridge University Press |isbn=0-521-82234-3 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=EoDuA8fv9rEC&q=christian+mercenaries+maghrib |page=13}}</ref>

==== Asia ====
* [[Phayao Province|Phayao]], a modern-day province of [[Thailand]], is founded as a city-state kingdom.

=== By topic ===

==== Religion ====
* February &ndash; [[Robert of Arbrissel]] founds a monastery at [[La Roë]].<ref>{{cite book |last1=Müller |first1=Annalena |title=From the Cloister to the State: Fontevraud and the Making of Bourbon France, 1642-1100 |date=2021 |publisher=Routledge |isbn=9781000436297 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=zk85EAAAQBAJ |page=43|access-date=March 6, 2023}}</ref>
* The first documented teaching at the [[University of Oxford]] in [[Kingdom of England|England]] occurs.
* [[Norwich School]] is founded in England as an episcopal [[grammar school]].
* In [[Ireland]], the [[Diocese of Waterford]] is established.</onlyinclude>

== Births ==
* [[January 15]] &ndash; [[Theodora Komnene (daughter of Alexios I)|Theodora Komnene]], Byzantine princess
* [[March 12]] &ndash; [[Canute Lavard]], duke of [[Duchy of Schleswig|Schleswig]] (d. [[1131]])
* [[April 9]] &ndash; [[Al-Muqtafi]], caliph of the [[Abbasid Caliphate]] (d. [[1160]])<ref>{{EI2 | volume = 7 | pages = 543–544 | last = Zetterstéen | first = K. V. | author-link = Karl Vilhelm Zetterstéen | title = al-Muḳtafī | doi =10.1163/1573-3912_islam_SIM_5482}}</ref>
* [[December 31]] &ndash; [[Al-Amir bi-Ahkam Allah]], Fatimid caliph (d. [[1130]])
* [[Ermengol VI, Count of Urgell|Ermengol VI]] ("el de Castilla"), count of [[County of Urgell|Urgell]] (d. [[1154]])
* [[Galdino della Sala]] (or Galdinus), Archbishop of [[Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Milan|Milan]] (d. [[1176]])
* [[Henry of Blois]], bishop of [[Diocese of Winchester|Winchester]] (approximate date)
* [[Hugh of Saint Victor]], German scholar and theologian (d. [[1141]])
* [[Iziaslav II of Kiev|Iziaslav II Mstislavich]], Grand Prince of [[Kyiv]] (d. 1154)
* [[Minamoto no Tameyoshi]], Japanese [[Nobility|nobleman]] (d. [[1156]])
* [[Peter Lombard]], French bishop and theologian (d. 1160)
* [[Stephen, King of England|Stephen of Blois]], king of [[Kingdom of England|England]] (approximate date)
* [[Taira no Tadamori]], Japanese nobleman (d. [[1153]])
* [[Wang Ximeng]], Chinese [[Landscape painting|landscape painter]] (d. [[1119]])
* [[William VI, Count of Auvergne|William VI]], count of [[Auvergne]] and [[Velay]] (d. [[1136]])

== Deaths ==
* [[January 2]] &ndash; [[William de St-Calais]], Norman bishop and chief councilor
* [[January 11]] &ndash; [[Adelaide II, Abbess of Quedlinburg|Adelaide II]], German princess and [[abbess]] (b. [[1045]])
* [[May]] &ndash; [[Worms massacre (1096)|Worms massacre]]:
** [[Kalonymus ben Meshullam]], French Jewish martyr 
** [[Minna of Worms]], German-Jewish female moneylender and martyr
* [[October 21]] &ndash; [[Walter Sans Avoir]], French leader of the [[First Crusade]]
* [[November 11]] &ndash; [[Werner I, Count of Habsburg|Werner I]], German nobleman ([[House of Habsburg]])
* [[December 23]] &ndash; [[Hugh I of Le Puiset]], French nobleman
* [[Eudokia Makrembolitissa]], Byzantine empress and [[regent]] 
* [[Fariburz I]], Persian ruler of [[Shirvan]] ([[Shirvanshah|House of Shirvanshah]])
* [[Gao Shengtai]], Chinese ruler of the [[Dali Kingdom|Dazhong Kingdom]] 
* [[Geoffrey III, Count of Anjou]] ("the Bearded"), French nobleman (b. [[1040]])
* [[Henry III, Count of Luxembourg|Henry III]], count of [[Luxembourg]] ([[House of Luxembourg]])
* [[Ralph de Gael]], Norman nobleman (approximate date)
* [[Sarakhsi]], Persian [[Ulama|scholar]], jurist and writer (approximate date)
* [[Stephen II, Count of Sponheim|Stephen II]], German nobleman ([[Sponheim family|House of Sponheim]])

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

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