1050

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political events

The Byzantine empress Zoë dies at her native Constantinople at age 72 (approximate); her older sister Theodora, who has shared the throne since 1042, is left to rule with Constantine IX. He has spent huge sums of money on luxuries and public buildings with a profligacy that has weakened the empire.

Egypt's Fatimid caliph Abu al-Mustansir appoints the Palestinian reformer Abu Muhammad Hasan bin Abdur Rehman Yazuri as vizier (see 1044). Now 21, the caliph has had no capable vizier since the death of Ali bin Ahmad Jarjarai 6 years ago; the new vizier will hold office for 8 years and build up the country's treasury, which his successors will squander (see 1058).

Sweden's Anund Jakob Olafsson dies at age 42 (year and age approximate) after a 28-year reign and is succeeded by his son Emund, who will reign until 1060.

exploration, colonization

Oslo (initially Kristiania) is founded by Norway's Harald III (Harald Hardrada), who has visited Novgorod, Kiev, and Constantinople. His aim is to make the city a cosmopolitan rival to Kiev that will prosper in the trade of furs, gold, glass, pottery, textiles, precious stones, slaves, and other plunder taken by the Vikings in their raids.

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