1254

For broader historical context, see 1250s and 13th century.

Years: 1251 1252 1253 – 1254 – 1255 1256 1257
Decades: 1220s 1230s 1240s – 1250s – 1260s 1270s 1280s
Centuries: 12th century – 13th century – 14th century

Events

Louis IX of France ends the unsuccessful Seventh Crusade in 1254.

December 2 – Manfred of Sicily defeats army of Pope Innocent IV at Foggia.
King Louis IX of France, having exhausted his funds and being needed at home, abandons the Seventh Crusade (which he had conducted first in Egypt and then Syria) and returns to France.
King Louis IX of France expels all Jews from France.
King Afonso III of Portugal holds the first session of the Cortes (Portugal's general assembly composed of nobles, members of the middle class, and representatives from all municipalities) in Leiria.
In England, an important step in the evolution of the Parliament and Peerage occurs, as lesser barons are replaced on the King's Council by elected representatives from shires and cities.
Pope Innocent IV excommunicates Conrad IV of Germany and Rudolph I of Germany (later elected Holy Roman Emperor).
The Ghibelline town of Pistoia is taken over by Guelph Florence.

The Danish city of Copenhagen receives its city charter.
The Catholic dogma of purgatory is clarified and so named by the Catholic church.
The Horses of Saint Mark, once supposed to have adorned the Arch of Trajan in ancient Rome, are installed at Saint Mark's Basilica in Venice.
The Swedish city of Malmö is founded.
Construction is begun on the Cathedral of Saint Martin in Utrecht.
The University of Sevilla is founded.