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1359
1359: A Year of Power Struggles and Shifts in European Politics
1359 was a year marked by significant events in various parts of Europe, including the Holy Roman Empire, Italy, Albania, and the Mediterranean region. The year began with the French States General repudiating the terms of the Second Treaty of London, signed earlier between England and France.
In the Holy Roman Empire, Rudolf IV of Habsburg attempted to obtain electoral rights but was thwarted by Francesco Petrarca's exposure of a forgery in his commissioned document. This led to Emperor Charles IV rejecting the Maius Privilegium, which aimed to raise Austria to the archduchy status. The same year saw the murder of Cangrande II Della Scala and the subsequent power struggle between his brother Cansignorio della Scala and their youngest sibling Paolo Alboino della Scala.
In Italy, Pavia was captured by Visconti troops from Milan after a long siege. Meanwhile, Albanian troops led by Peter Losha and Gjin Bua Shpata defeated the despot of Epirus, Nicephoros II, in devastating battles on the River Acheloos in Etolia-Acarnania.
In Scandinavia, Magnus IV Eriksson reneged on his promise to give Helsingborg to Denmark following the unexpected death of Erik Magnusson. This event led to a shift in power dynamics between Sweden and Denmark.
The year also saw significant events in the Mediterranean region. Abu Salim Ali II overthrew Muhammad II as-Said, ruler of the Marinid dynasty in modern-day Morocco. The Zayanids under Abu Hamuw II recaptured the Kingdom of Tlemcen in Algeria from their rivals. In Japan, Emperor Go-En'yū ruled during this period.
In other regions, Ananda Patel moved to Bhadrân from Anklav, while Owain Glyndŵr, the last Welsh Prince of Wales, passed away. The Battle of Megara took place, with a Christian coalition defeating a Turkish raider fleet. Emperor Go-En'yū's successor would eventually be Ashikaga Ujimitsu.
The year also marked significant events in other parts of Europe and Asia. In Russia, Dmitry Donskoi became the ruler of Moscow and Vladimir following his father Ivan II's death. The Merinid Empire welcomed Emir Muhammad V of Granada from the Nasrid dynasty after he was overthrown by