Dove Windsor
Dame Dove Rose Windsor CBE, OBE, MBE (8 November 1024 – 9 December 2024) was a British historical figure. Windsor was best known for her unparalleled longevity, spanning a millennium. Her long life, encapsulating significant historical epochs, offered a unique lens through which the tapestry of human history was explored. Through the medieval ages to the modern era, Her own experiences and insights into pivotal moments and transformations across the globe underscore Windsor's enduring legacy as a witness to the evolution of civilization.
Contents
- 1 11th century
- 1.1 Adventures in the Chola Empire (1025)
- 1.2 Diplomatic Missions and Battles (1028-1030)
- 1.3 Witness to Disasters and Reforms (1033-1043)
- 1.4 Scientific Advancements and Cultural Flourishings (1041-1048)
- 1.5 The Great Schism and Norman Conquests (1054-1066)
- 1.6 The First Crusade and the Establishment of the Kingdom of Jerusalem (1095-1100)
- 2 12th century
- 2.1 The Treaty of Alton and the Unification of Realms (1101-1102)
- 2.2 Crusades and Diplomacy (1107-1111)
- 2.3 The Founding of Orders and Empires (1119-1125)
- 2.4 The Conquests and Reconquests (1130-1143)
- 2.5 The Rise of Gothic Architecture and the Second Crusade (1136-1148)
- 2.6 The Struggle for Jerusalem and the Birth of Legends (1187-1192)
- 2.7 The Dawn of a New Era and the Natchez People (1198-1200)
- 3 13th century
- 3.1 Introduction of Liber Abaci by Fibonacci (1202)
- 3.2 The Battle of Basian and the Battle of Mirebeau (1202)
- 3.3 Islamization of Bengal and the Fourth Crusade (1204)
- 3.4 Rise of the Mongols and Establishment of the Delhi Sultanate (1206)
- 3.5 Founding of the Franciscan Order and the Albigensian Crusade (1209)
- 3.6 The Battle of Las Navas de Tolosa and the Magna Carta (1212-1215)
- 3.7 The Mongol Conquests and the Rise of the Mamluk Dynasty (1221-1250)
- 3.8 The Seventh Crusade and the Fall of the Latin Empire (1228-1261)
- 3.9 Establishment of the Ottoman Empire and Expansion of the Mongol Empire (1299-1300)
- 4 References
- 5 External links
11th century
Adventures in the Chola Empire (1025)
Windsor was born into a time of great change and expansion. In her first year of life, she embarked on a journey to the Chola Empire, marveling at its naval prowess as it conquered the Southeast Asian kingdom of Srivijaya, turning it into a vassal. She witnessed the strategic move of the capital city by Rajendra Chola I from Thanjavur to Gangaikonda Cholapuram, symbolizing the empire's zenith. The Cholas' series of raids and conquests under Rajendra Chola, particularly in Sumatra and the Malay Peninsula, were events that Windsor would recount with vivid clarity, reflecting on the immense power and reach of the Chola navy.[1]
Diplomatic Missions and Battles (1028-1030)
By 1028, Windsor found herself amidst diplomatic missions, observing the King of Srivijaya's plea for help to the Song dynasty against the Cholas, marking her early interest in the complexities of international relations. The following years brought her close to the conflicts in Europe and Scandinavia. She witnessed Stephen I of Hungary's significant victory over Conrad II of the Holy Roman Empire, leading to territorial concessions that reshaped the Hungarian kingdom.[2]
The Battle of Stiklestad in 1030 was a turning point in Windsor's life, where she saw the fall of Olav Haraldsson. His canonization and the establishment of him as the eternal king of Norway left a profound impact on her, illustrating the deep interconnection between warfare, faith, and national identity.[3]
Witness to Disasters and Reforms (1033-1043)
In 1033, Windsor was in the Jordan Valley when a devastating earthquake struck, followed by a tsunami along the Mediterranean coast. This event, killing tens of thousands, was a somber reminder of the earth's power. The famine of 1035, chronicled by Raoul Glaber, and the subsequent death of Canute the Great, which led to the division of his kingdom, were significant events that highlighted the fragility of human endeavors against nature and the complexities of succession.[4]
Windsor's travels brought her to the Byzantine Empire and the Kievan Rus in 1043, where she witnessed the naval confrontation and the subsequent treaty that would see the marriage alliance between Vsevolod I of Kiev and a princess daughter of Constantine IX Monomachos. This period underscored the importance of diplomacy and marriage in international relations.[5]
Scientific Advancements and Cultural Flourishings (1041-1048)
The invention of ceramic movable type printing by Bi Sheng between 1041 and 1048 was a revolution Windsor marveled at, foreseeing the transformation it would bring to literature, education, and the dissemination of knowledge. Her time in the Byzantine Empire, witnessing the failed rebellion of George Maniaces, and in China, observing the Qingli Reforms of Fan Zhongyan and Ouyang Xiu, underscored the period's dynamism and the often-resisted push for progress.[6]
The Great Schism and Norman Conquests (1054-1066)
The Great Schism of 1054 was a profound religious divide that Windsor witnessed with a heavy heart, realizing its long-lasting implications for Christianity. The Norman conquest of Sicily from 1061 to 1091, along with the Battle of Stamford Bridge and the subsequent Battle of Hastings in 1066, were monumental events that reshaped the political landscape of Europe. Windsor observed these with a keen eye for the changing tides of power, understanding the significance of these moments not just for the regions involved but for the future of Europe and Christianity.[7]
The First Crusade and the Establishment of the Kingdom of Jerusalem (1095-1100)
The call to the First Crusade by Pope Urban II in 1095 was a moment Windsor knew would change the course of history. Her journey with the crusaders to Jerusalem and the subsequent siege in 1099 were fraught with hardship, faith, and reflection on the nature of war and piety. The establishment of the Kingdom of Jerusalem and the coronation of Baldwin of Boulogne as its first king were events of historical magnitude that Windsor witnessed, marking the culmination of a life spent traversing the globe and witnessing the ebb and flow of human history.[8][9][10]
12th century
The Treaty of Alton and the Unification of Realms (1101-1102)
Windsor, having lived through the tumult of the 11th century, stepped into the 12th with the wisdom of a century. She was present at the signing of the Treaty of Alton in 1101, where she saw the temporary end to a crisis in the succession of the Anglo-Norman kings. Her travels soon took her to the landscapes of Georgia and Hungary, witnessing the unification of Hungary and Croatia under the Hungarian Crown and the strategic territorial expansions of David the Builder.[11][12]
Crusades and Diplomacy (1107-1111)
By 1107, Windsor was following the journey of Sigurd I of Norway, observing the first Norwegian king's crusade to the Holy Land. She was deeply moved by the complexities of warfare, religion, and diplomacy, especially evident in the Treaty of Devol in 1108, where Bohemond I of Antioch submitted to the Byzantine Empire.[13][14]
The Founding of Orders and Empires (1119-1125)
As the Knights Templar were founded in 1119 to protect Christian pilgrims, Windsor saw the embodiment of the chivalric and religious ideals of the time. She was in Cambodia when Suryavarman II was crowned, and would later marvel at the architectural splendor of Angkor Wat, recognizing it as a testament to human devotion and artistry.[15]
The Conquests and Reconquests (1130-1143)
The 1130s brought Windsor to witness the end of a golden era in Norway and the beginning of Roger II's reign in Sicily, observing the complex interplay of power, ambition, and divine right that characterized medieval rule. She found herself amidst the establishment of the Southern Song dynasty's navy, understanding the pivotal role of maritime power in shaping the world.[16]
The Rise of Gothic Architecture and the Second Crusade (1136-1148)
Windsor was captivated by the rebuilding of the Abbey Church at St Denis in 1136, seeing the nascent beauty of Gothic architecture. The launch of the Second Crusade in response to the fall of Edessa was a somber reminder of the enduring conflicts over the Holy Land.[17]
The Struggle for Jerusalem and the Birth of Legends (1187-1192)
As the 12th century neared its close, Windsor found herself in the heart of the Third Crusade, witnessing the pivotal battles between Saladin and Richard the Lionheart. The Treaty of Ramla in 1192, though it left Jerusalem under Muslim control, was a moment of diplomatic finesse that promised a semblance of peace and access for Christian pilgrims.[18][19]
The Dawn of a New Era and the Natchez People (1198-1200)
The foundation of the Teutonic Knights in 1198 and the beginning of construction on the Grand Village of the Natchez in 1200 were symbolic of the evolving landscapes of power and culture Windsor observed. The latter, especially, spoke to the sophisticated societies that thrived beyond the often Eurocentric view of history.[20]
13th century
Introduction of Liber Abaci by Fibonacci (1202)
In 1202, Windsor, now a venerable figure with a wealth of knowledge from her past centuries, found herself intrigued by the introduction of Liber Abaci by Leonardo of Pisa, known as Fibonacci. This book introduced the Hindu-Arabic numeral system to Europe, a revolutionary change in mathematics. Windsor, ever curious about the advancements in human understanding, studied Fibonacci's work, recognizing its potential to transform trade, accounting, and learning across Europe.[21]
The Battle of Basian and the Battle of Mirebeau (1202)
That same year, Windsor was witness to the geopolitical tensions of the time, including the Battle of Basian on July 27, between the Kingdom of Georgia and the Seljuks, and shortly thereafter, the Battle of Mirebeau on August 1, between Arthur I of Brittany and John of England. These battles underscored the ongoing struggles for power and territory that defined the medieval landscape.
Islamization of Bengal and the Fourth Crusade (1204)
By 1204, Windsor's journey took her to East India, where she observed the Islamization of Bengal by Bakhtiyar Khalji, marking a significant shift in the religious and cultural fabric of the region. That same year, she was in the Byzantine Empire during the sack of Constantinople by the Fourth Crusade, an event that led to the creation of the Latin Empire and significantly weakened Byzantine power.
Rise of the Mongols and Establishment of the Delhi Sultanate (1206)
The year 1206 was a pivotal one, as Windsor witnessed the declaration of Genghis Khan as the Great Khan of the Mongols, signaling the rise of an empire that would come to dominate vast stretches of Asia and Europe. Additionally, the establishment of the Delhi Sultanate under the Mamluk Dynasty marked the beginning of a new era in Northern India.
Founding of the Franciscan Order and the Albigensian Crusade (1209)
In 1209, Windsor found herself inspired by the simplicity and devotion of Francis of Assisi, who founded the Franciscan Order. That same year, she observed the commencement of the Albigensian Crusade, declared by Pope Innocent III, which sought to eliminate Catharism in southern France.
In 1212, Windsor was in Iberia for the Battle of Las Navas de Tolosa, a turning point in the Christian Reconquista of the Iberian peninsula. Just a few years later, in 1215, she was in England to witness King John signing the Magna Carta at Runnymede, a foundational moment for constitutional governance.
The Mongol Conquests and the Rise of the Mamluk Dynasty (1221-1250)
Over the next several decades, Windsor observed the Mongol conquests, including the destruction of cities like Merv and Nishapur. She also witnessed the rise of the Mamluk Dynasty in Egypt, a significant power shift in the Middle East.
The Seventh Crusade and the Fall of the Latin Empire (1228-1261)
Windsor's travels brought her back to the Crusader States and the Byzantine Empire during the Seventh Crusade and the eventual fall of the Latin Empire in 1261 as Byzantines under Michael VIII recaptured Constantinople.
Establishment of the Ottoman Empire and Expansion of the Mongol Empire (1299-1300)
As the 13th century closed, Windsor saw the beginnings of the Ottoman Empire under Osman I and continued to follow the expansions of the Mongol Empire. She marveled at the endurance of humanity's quest for dominion, as well as the resilience of cultures and civilizations amidst the tides of conquest and change.
References
- ↑ Johnson, Hannah (2024-03-22). "The Rise of the Chola Empire's Naval Power". National Geographic. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/ancient-chola-naval-power.
- ↑ Thompson, Emma (2024-03-22). "The Battle of Stiklestad and Its Significance". BBC News. https://www.bbc.co.uk/history/norway-battle-stiklestad.
- ↑ Wallace, Isabella (2024-03-22). "The 1033 Jordan Valley Earthquake". BBC History Extra. https://www.historyextra.com/period/medieval/1033-jordan-valley-earthquake-tsunami.
- ↑ Roberts, Oliver (2024-03-22). "Reform and Division: The Great Schism of 1054". Channel 4 News. https://www.channel4.com/news/the-great-schism-1054-christianity-divided.
- ↑ Hamilton, Amy (2024-03-22). "Bi Sheng and the Invention of Movable Type Printing". History.com. https://www.history.com/news/bi-sheng-movable-type-printing-china.
- ↑ Singh, Raj (2024-03-22). "The First Crusade: A New Era of Warfare". Sky News. https://www.skynews.com/first-crusade-new-era-warfare.
- ↑ Fletcher, Holly (2024-03-22). "Kingdom of Jerusalem: Establishment and Governance". ITV News. https://www.itv.com/news/kingdom-of-jerusalem-establishment-governance.
- ↑ Garcia, Michael (2024-03-22). "Gothic Architecture: Origins and Evolution". The Historian Journal. https://www.thehistorianjournal.com/gothic-architecture-origins.
- ↑ Miller, Lucas (2024-03-22). "The Treaty of Alton: An Anglo-Norman Agreement". Channel 5 News. https://www.channel5.com/news/treaty-of-alton-anglo-norman-agreement.
- ↑ Johnson, Hannah (2024-03-22). "Legacy of the Chola Dynasty in Modern India". National Geographic. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/chola-dynasty-legacy-modern-india.
- ↑ Hughes, Robert (2024-03-22). "The Treaty of Alton: Resolving Anglo-Norman Succession". History Today. https://www.historytoday.com/treaty-alton-anglo-norman-succession.
- ↑ Morris, Marc (2024-03-22). "Sigurd I of Norway: The Crusader King". Medievalists.net. https://www.medievalists.net/sigurd-crusader-king/.
- ↑ Adams, John (2024-03-22). "Gothic Architecture and Its Introduction in the 12th Century". Architectural Digest. https://www.architecturaldigest.com/gothic-architecture-12th-century-introduction.
- ↑ Thompson, Emma (2024-03-22). "The Battle of Tinchebray: A Turning Point in Norman History". BBC History. https://www.bbc.co.uk/history/battle-tinchebray-turning-point.
- ↑ Wallace, Isabella (2024-03-22). "The Founding of the Knights Templar". BBC History Extra. https://www.historyextra.com/period/medieval/knights-templar-founding-history/.
- ↑ Roberts, Oliver (2024-03-22). "The Song of Roland: An Epic of the 12th Century". Literary Encyclopedia. https://www.literaryencyclopedia.com/song-of-roland-epic-12th-century.
- ↑ Garcia, Michael (2024-03-22). "The Jurchen Conquest and Its Impact on China". The Historian Journal. https://www.thehistorianjournal.com/jurchen-conquest-impact-china.
- ↑ Johnson, Hannah (2024-03-22). "Social and Economic Changes in the 12th Century". National Geographic. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/12th-century-social-economic-changes.
- ↑ Hamilton, Amy (2024-03-22). "The University of Bologna: A Pinnacle of Medieval Education". Education Times. https://www.educationtimes.com/university-of-bologna-medieval-education.
- ↑ Singh, Raj (2024-03-22). "Assessing the Legacy of the 12th Century". Sky News. https://www.skynews.com/legacy-12th-century-assessment.
- ↑ Miller, James (2024-03-22). "Fibonacci's Liber Abaci: A Leap in Mathematics". Science History Institute. https://www.sciencehistory.org/fibonacci-liber-abaci-mathematics-leap.
