ROMSO Cyprus Knowledge Base

1343

1343 was a common year starting on Wednesday of the Julian calendar. This marked significant events in various regions, including Europe and Asia Minor.

In Estonia, George's Night Uprising began in January, resulting in the murder of the "Four Estonian kings" during negotiations with the Livonian Order. The uprising led to increased tensions between the local population and the Crusaders. Meanwhile, Pope Clement VI issued his bull Unigenitus on 27 January, defining the doctrine of "The Treasury of Merits" or "The Treasury of the Church", which would later become a basis for the issuance of indulgences by the Catholic Church.

In Norway, Magnus IV of Sweden abdicated from the throne in favor of his son Haakon VI. However, he remained regent due to his son's youth. This marked an important shift in power dynamics within the kingdom.

A naval alliance was formed on 31 August between the Papacy, the Republic of Venice, the Order of the Hospitallers, and the Kingdom of Cyprus during the Crusade on Smyrna. The alliance aimed to prepare for the impending war against the Ottoman Empire.

In Asia Minor, a tsunami destroyed the maritime republic of Amalfi after an earthquake in November. This devastating event had significant consequences for the region's trade and commerce.

The year 1343 also saw notable births and deaths among various individuals. Notable figures who passed away included Robert of Naples on January 20th, Francesco I Manfredi on September 16th, Aymon, Count of Savoy on June 22nd, Jacopo Gaetani Stefaneschi on June 23rd, Philip III of Navarre on September 16th, and Hasan Kuchuk on December 15th. Other notable individuals who were born during this year include Geoffrey Chaucer, Constance of Aragon, Tommaso Mocenigo, Paolo Alboino della Scala, Alexander Stewart, and Veera Ballala III.

Overall, the events of 1343 demonstrate the complex web of alliances, conflicts, and cultural exchanges that characterized medieval Europe and Asia Minor.