1266

For broader historical context, see 1260s and 13th century.

Events

Europe

• February 26 - In the Battle of Benevento, an army led by Charles, Count of Anjou, defeats a combined German and Sicilian force led by King Manfred of Sicily. Manfred is killed in the battle and Pope Clement IV invests Charles as king of Sicily and Naples.
• October - In England, the Second Barons' War winds down as supporters of the slain rebel leader Simon de Montfort make an offer of peace to the king in the Dictum of Kenilworth; after slight modifications to the peace settlement, it is agreed to the following year.
• The war between Scotland and Norway ends as King Alexander III of Scotland and King Magnus VI of Norway agree to the Traty of Perth, which cedes the Western Isles and Isle of Man to Scotland in exchange for a large monetary payment.
• In France, the gold écu and silver grosh coins are minted for the first time.

Asia

• Niccolo and Maffeo Polo, brother and uncle of Marco Polo reach Kublai Khan's capital Khanbaliq (now Beijing) in China, setting the stage for Marco's famous expedition starting five years later. Kublai Khan sends the Polos back with a message requesting the pope dispatch western scholars to teach in the Mongol Empire; however, this request is largely ignored.
• The Mamluk sultan Baibars expands his domain, capturing the city of Byblos (in present-day Lebanon) and the important castle of Toron from crusader states, and defeating the Armenians at Cilicia.

Births

• Beatrice Portinari, Dante Alighieri's beloved and guide through Heaven in The Divine Comedy
• John Duns Scotus, philosopher (year uncertain)
• Hethum II of Armenia, king of the Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia

Deaths

• February 26 - King Manfred of Sicily
• Ariq Boke, briefly regent of the Mongol Empire and pretender to the title of khan
• Berke, khan of the Golden Horde of the Mongol Empire
• Birger Jarl, Swedish regent and founder of Stockholm
• Duke Swantipolk II of Pomerania
• Eudes of Burgundy, Count of Nevers
• John of Ibelin (jurist)
• Marie de Saint-Clair, alleged 12th grand master of the Priory of Sion
• Hugh Bigod, Justiciar of England

See also

• List of state leaders in 1266

See also: 1266, 1230s, 1240s, 1250s, 1260s, 1263, 1264, 1265, 1266 Treaty of Perth, 1267