twelfthcentury

The twelfth century was a period in history spanning from January 1, 1101, to December 31, 1200. It falls within the Middle Ages and is often characterized by significant developments in Europe, the Middle East, and East Asia. In Europe, the High Middle Ages were underway, marked by a growing population, increased agricultural productivity, and the rise of towns and cities. This era saw the further development of feudalism and the increasing influence of the Catholic Church. Major architectural achievements included the proliferation of Romanesque and the early emergence of Gothic cathedrals. Universities began to take shape, laying foundations for later intellectual centers.

The twelfth century was also a time of significant religious and military activity. The Second Crusade (1147-1149) was launched in response to the fall of the County of Edessa, though it ultimately proved unsuccessful for the Crusaders. The Investiture Controversy, which had dominated much of the previous century, continued to influence the relationship between secular rulers and the papacy. In the Middle East, the Seljuk Turks were a dominant force, and the Crusader states established in the late eleventh century continued to exist, though often under pressure.

In East Asia, the Song Dynasty in China experienced both cultural and economic prosperity, alongside military challenges. The Jin dynasty rose to power in the north, eventually conquering the Northern Song. Japan was in the midst of the Heian period, moving towards the establishment of the Kamakura Shogunate towards the end of the century. Across the globe, the twelfth century represented a dynamic period of change and development, setting the stage for further transformations in the centuries to come.