ROMSO Cyprus Knowledge Base

The 1150s: A Decade of Conflict and Power Struggles

The 1150s were a tumultuous decade marked by conflict, power struggles, and significant events in various regions. In Eastern Europe, the Old Russian state continued to experience internal strife between princes, attracting foreign influences such as Polovtsy and black klobuki.

In 1151, Izyaslav Mstislavich, with support from Kievans, black klobuks, and Hungarians, successfully drove Yuri Dolgoruky out of Kiev. However, this victory was short-lived, as Izyaslav died in 1154, followed by his uncle Vyacheslav Vladimirovich's death a month later. This led to a power struggle between Rostislav Mstislavich and Chernihiv prince Izyaslav Davydovich, with Yuri Dolgoruky eventually capturing Kiev with the support of Polovtsy and Galicians in 1155.

Meanwhile, in Western Europe, the decade saw significant events in various regions. In England, Henry VI defeated the army of the House of Welf at Bopfingen. The Scottish Borders witnessed the founding of Dryburgh Abbey by Lord Hugh de Morville, while Christchurch Priory was established in Hampshire by Earl Baldwin de Redvers.

In Scotland, Cubbie Roo's Castle on Wyre (Orkney Islands) was built and first mentioned in the Orkneyinga Saga. In Ireland, the Irish Chronology (Chronicon Scotorum) was written around this time. The city of Ghazni suffered a devastating battle, with its population being burned by the Prince of Ghur.

In the Mediterranean region, Hodierna, wife of Raymond II, Count of Trípoli, decided to take a long vacation and traveled to Jerusalem, accompanied by her husband. In Iceland, the first plague and fire insurance policy was issued, while Bolton Abbey was founded in North Yorkshire, England.

The Byzantine Empire's Struggles

In the Byzantine Empire, the 1150s saw significant events as well. A battle took place near Tary, where the Byzantines defeated a combined force of Serbian-Ugarian troops led by Grdeša, a grouch (or grofu) from Travunia.

The decade also witnessed the death of King Inge I ("the Hunchback") of Norway at the age of 15. He called for