ROMSO Cyprus Knowledge Base

1373: A Year of Conflict and Diplomacy

The year 1373 began on a Saturday in the Julian calendar, marking the start of another common year. This period saw significant events unfold across various regions, including Europe, Asia Minor, and the Mediterranean.

In Europe, King Charles V of France sought to reward the inhabitants of La Rochelle for their role in expelling the English from the city by granting them a right of hereditary and perpetual nobility. Additionally, he created the government of Aunis, distinct from the Saintonge, further solidifying his control over the region.

Meanwhile, tensions between Portugal and Castile continued to simmer, with the signing of the Santarém peace treaty on March 19th marking a significant development in their relations. This agreement brought an end to the second war between the two nations, which had been ongoing since 1367.

In England, King Edward III issued decrees regulating trade practices in Guyenne and upstream regions, including Saint-Macaire on the Garonne River. The English also attempted to disembark forces at Saint-Malo but were thwarted by French resistance.

The war between Hungary and Venice continued, with Louis of Hungary forming an alliance with Francesco da Carrara, lord of Padua, against their common enemy. Despite initial defeats, Venice ultimately captured Stephen, the nephew of the king of Hungary, after two battles in Narvesa and Fossanuova.

In Asia Minor, Byzantine Emperor John V Palaeologus was forced to accompany the Ottoman Sultan on a campaign, marking a significant shift in his relationship with the empire. This period also saw the beginning of the unification process for the Kingdom of Laos under the rule of Fa Ngum's son, who took the name after the census of 1376.

In other regions, the Serbedar Uprising in Kerman was suppressed after a nine-month siege by feudal militia, while Tamerlane began a campaign to South Khorezm. The Cyprus-Genoese War also commenced with the Genoese invasion of Cyprus, marking the beginning of a conflict that would last until 1374.

Key Figures and Events

* Andronicus IV Palaeologos rebelled against his father, John V Palaeologist, but was ultimately unsuccessful.
* Philip II, Prince of Taranto, handed over the rule of Achaea to Joanna I of Naples.
* Louis I of Hungary took Severin again,