1156

Geopolitical Situation

The year 1156 was a complex period in European and Middle Eastern history. The Holy Roman Empire, under Friedrich Barbarossa (who would become Emperor by 1190), and the Kingdom of France, with Louis VII as the Young King (since 1180), were two major powers vying for influence.

Division of the Apollonian Peninsula

The Apollonian peninsula was divided among several entities. The north belonged to the Holy Roman Empire, while the middle half was under the control of the Papal States. Most of the south was part of the Sicilian kingdoms. Notable city-states in the north included Venice, Pisa (not "Pizza"), and Genoa, which had achieved a level of autonomy as republics.

Events

### Muslim Revolt in Sfax

On February 25, 1156, a Muslim revolt broke out in Sfax, present-day Tunisia, against Norman domination of the Kingdom of Sicily. Governor Omar orchestrated a massacre of Christians in the city.

### Cyprus Under Attack

In the spring of 1156, Renaud de Châtillon, Prince of Antioch, and Thoros of Armenia, launched a raid on the Byzantine island of Cyprus. This was motivated by Renaud's claim that Manuel Comnène, the Basileus (Byzantine Emperor), had refused to pay him a promised sum. The Latin Patriarch of Antioch, Lovery of Limoges, was imprisoned and tortured for refusing to finance the expedition.

### Consequences in Cyprus

Renaud de Châtillon landed on Cyprus without difficulty, defeated the Byzantine garrison, and systematically ravaged the island. Cultivated fields were burned, herds massacred, churches, palaces, and convents looted and burned.

### European Politics

On February 2, King Henry II of England (Plantagenet) arrived in Rouen to pay tribute to King Louis of France for Normandy, Aquitaine, Poitou, Anjou, Maine, and Touraine. This event highlights the complex web of alliances and tributes that characterized medieval European politics.

### Battle of Brindisi

On May 28, following the battle of Brindisi, King William III of Sicily (not mentioned in Source 1) was likely involved in a conflict with the Normans or other powers. However, this event is not further detailed in the available sources.

Calendar and Dates

The year 1156 was a leap year that began on a Sunday, according to the Julian calendar.