1130s

The 1130s was a decade in the 12th century, spanning from January 1, 1130, to December 31, 1139. This period was marked by significant political, cultural, and religious developments across Europe and the Middle East. In Europe, the 1130s saw the rise of the Angevin Empire under King Henry II of England, who expanded his territories through military conquests and strategic marriages. The decade also witnessed the establishment of the Cistercian Order, a significant religious movement that emphasized simplicity and communal living.

In the Middle East, the 1130s were a time of political turmoil and religious conflict. The Second Crusade, launched in 1147, was a direct result of the political and religious tensions of the decade. The crusade aimed to recapture the Holy Land from Muslim control, but it ultimately failed to achieve its objectives. The decade also saw the rise of the Almohad dynasty in North Africa, which would later expand its influence across the Maghreb and into the Iberian Peninsula.

The 1130s were also a time of significant cultural and intellectual developments. The University of Paris was founded in 1150, during the reign of King Louis VII of France, marking the beginning of the medieval university system. The decade also saw the completion of the Romanesque cathedral of Saint-Sernin in Toulouse, France, which is considered one of the finest examples of Romanesque architecture.

In summary, the 1130s was a decade of significant political, cultural, and religious developments across Europe and the Middle East. The rise of the Angevin Empire, the establishment of the Cistercian Order, the Second Crusade, and the founding of the University of Paris are just a few of the notable events that shaped the decade.