1270s1280s

The 1270s and 1280s represent a significant period in the late 13th century, marked by a continuation of major geopolitical trends and notable cultural developments. In Europe, the reign of Edward I of England continued, characterized by his campaigns to assert English dominance in Wales and Scotland. The conquest of Wales was largely completed by the 1280s with the construction of a series of formidable castles. Meanwhile, conflicts in the Holy Roman Empire saw the continued rise of the Habsburg dynasty, with Rudolf I consolidating his power. The Iberian Peninsula was dominated by the Reconquista, with Christian kingdoms making gradual gains against the Nasrid Kingdom of Granada.

The Mongol Empire, though beginning to fragment, still exerted considerable influence. The Ilkhanate in Persia saw considerable activity, while the Yuan Dynasty in China, established by Kublai Khan, continued to solidify its rule and engage in ambitious naval expeditions, notably the failed invasions of Japan in 1274 and 1281.

In the realm of culture and learning, universities continued to flourish. Scholasticism remained a dominant intellectual force, with thinkers like Thomas Aquinas, whose major works were produced in the preceding decades, still highly influential. The burgeoning Gothic architectural style continued to adorn cathedrals across Europe, with significant construction projects underway. This era also saw the continued development of trade routes, both overland and maritime, fostering increased interaction and exchange between different regions of the world.