1085

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political events

Alfonso VI of León and Castile takes Toledo May 25; the Arab center of science and learning falls into Christian hands, and the divided Muslims of Andalusia appeal to the Almoravid sultan Yusuf ibn Tashufin for assistance (see 1086).

The Norman Robert Guiscard dies of fever during the siege of Cephalonia, Greece, July 17 at age 60 (approximate) after regaining Corfu and Kephalonia, which his son Bohemond had lost. The duke of Apulia is succeeded by his brother Roger Guiscard, now 54, who has conquered most of Sicily and will rule until 1101. Robert's second wife, Sigelgaita, has borne an heir, and her stepson Bohemond is left without a patrimony (but see First Crusade, 1096).

Denmark's Canute IV reasserts claims to England and gains the support of Norway's Olaf III and the count of Flanders (but see 1086).

religion

Pope Gregory VII dies at Salerno May 25 at age 68 (approximate) after an outstanding 12-year reign in which he has continued the reforms that he began as a monk under previous pontificates. He is succeeded by the Benedictine abbot Dauferi, who has been proclaimed pope against his will May 24, is driven out of Rome before he can be consecrated by supporters of the Holy Roman Emperor Heinrich IV and his antipope Clement III, but will reign until next year as Victor III. Gregory has been discredited in most eyes despite the many reforms that he has instituted; the Holy Roman Emperor Heinrich IV extends the "Peace of God" over the entire empire, but his allies ravage the lands of Matilda of Canossa, countess of Tuscany, who 3 years ago sent part of the treasure of Canossa to Rome to help finance Pope Gregory's military operations and who refuses to recognize the antipope Clement III, favoring instead the 43-year-old cardinal bishop of Ostia, who will be elected Pope Urban II in 1087 and enjoy the countess's support until his death in 1099.

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