What is 1221?

The year 1221 (MCCXXI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Julian calendar. Here are a few significant historical events and developments from that time:

1. Mongol Empire: 1221 was a year during the peak expansion of the Mongol Empire under Genghis Khan. This period was marked by the Mongol invasions and conquests in Central Asia, which played a crucial role in shaping the political and cultural landscape of the region.

2. Fifth Crusade: The Fifth Crusade (1217–1221) was an attempt by Western European armies to regain control of Jerusalem and the rest of the Holy Land by first conquering the powerful Ayyubid state in Egypt. In 1221, the Crusaders attempted to capture the Egyptian city of Damietta but were ultimately unsuccessful.

3. Dominican Order: The Dominican Order, also known as the Order of Preachers, founded by Saint Dominic, received formal recognition by Pope Honorius III in 1216. By 1221, the order was expanding rapidly, promoting education and preaching as its key missions.

4. Francis of Assisi: 1221 was a vital year for the followers of Saint Francis of Assisi, as the Franciscan movement continued to grow, emphasizing vows of poverty, humility, and devotion to the Christian faith.

5. Mathematics and Science: The Islamic Golden Age was ongoing during this period, with scholars making significant contributions to mathematics, astronomy, and other sciences, influencing future generations in both the Islamic world and Europe.

6. Cultural Developments: Gothic architecture was becoming more prevalent in Europe during the early 13th century, characterized by advances in structural engineering that allowed for taller, more light-filled cathedrals, like the work on Chartres Cathedral, which was completed in the early 13th century.

Each of these points reflects the turbulence and transformative changes occurring in various parts of the world in 1221.