Century

11th Century CE

What happened in the 11th Century CE.

Leif Erikson's Voyage to Vinland

ExplorationLeif Erikson's Voyage to Vinlandc. 1000 CE · L'Anse aux Meadows, Newfoundland, CanadaLeif Erikson establishes a short-lived Norse settlement in North America, five centuries before Columbus.

Srivijaya at its Zenith

PoliticsSrivijaya at its Zenithc. 1000 CE · Palembang, Sumatra (Modern Indonesia)Srivijaya controls the Strait of Malacca and dominates regional trade.

Use of Astrolabes for Celestial Navigation by Arab Sailors

TechnologyUse of Astrolabes for Celestial Navigation by Arab Sailorsc. 1000 CE · Jeddah, Saudi ArabiaArab navigators utilize refined astrolabes to cross the Indian Ocean.

Consecration of the Brihadeeswarar Temple

ArtConsecration of the Brihadeeswarar Templec. 1010 CE · Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, IndiaRajaraja Chola I completes the colossal Brihadeeswarar Temple, an architectural marvel dedicated to Shiva that defines Dravidian style.

Completion of the Brihadeeswarar Temple

ArtCompletion of the Brihadeeswarar Templec. 1010 CE · Thanjavur (modern Tamil Nadu/India)Rajaraja Chola I completes the magnificent Brihadeeswarar Temple, a marvel of Dravidian architecture and engineering.

Creation of the Beowulf Manuscript

literatureCreation of the Beowulf Manuscriptc. 1016 CE · England (likely Canterbury or Winchester)A single scribe transcribes the epic poem Beowulf onto parchment.

Rajendra Chola I's Ganges Expedition

WarRajendra Chola I's Ganges Expeditionc. 1025 CE · Bengal to Ganges Delta, IndiaRajendra Chola I leads a northern expedition reaching the Ganges River, defeating Pala kings and bringing holy water back to Thanjavur.

Chola Invasion of Srivijaya

WarChola Invasion of Srivijayac. 1025 CE · Palembang, Sumatra, IndonesiaRajendra Chola I launches a naval raid on the Srivijaya Empire, disrupting its control over the Strait of Malacca and securing trade routes.

Chola Naval Expedition to Southeast Asia

ExplorationChola Naval Expedition to Southeast Asia1025 CE · Java and Sumatra (Modern Indonesia)Chola fleet raids coastal cities across the archipelago.

Rajendra Chola I's Expedition to Southeast Asia

WarRajendra Chola I's Expedition to Southeast Asiac. 1025 CE · Kedah (modern Malaysia)Chola Emperor Rajendra I launches a massive naval raid on Srivijaya, projecting Indian power across the Bay of Bengal.

Chola Naval Expedition Against Srivijaya

ExplorationChola Naval Expedition Against Srivijaya1025 CE · Palembang, Sumatra, IndonesiaRajaraja Chola I's navy raids Srivijaya to secure Indian Ocean trade routes.

Mahmud of Ghazni's Sack of Somnath

WarMahmud of Ghazni's Sack of Somnathc. 1026 CE · Somnath, Gujarat, IndiaMahmud of Ghazni leads a raid on the Somnath Temple, destroying the structure and looting its immense wealth to fund his empire.

Post-Chola War Reorganization

PoliticsPost-Chola War Reorganization1035 CE · Palembang, Sumatra (Modern Indonesia)Srivijaya reorganizes its administration after Chola raids.

Sealing of the Dunhuang Library Cave

DisasterSealing of the Dunhuang Library Cavec. 1035 CE · Dunhuang, ChinaMonks seal a cave containing thousands of ancient manuscripts for protection.

Magnetic Compass Application for Navigation in Song China

TechnologyMagnetic Compass Application for Navigation in Song Chinac. 1040 CE · Kaifeng, ChinaSong dynasty engineers create the first magnetic compass for maritime navigation.

Battle of Hastings

WarBattle of HastingsOctober 14, 1066 CE · Hastings, EnglandNorman forces defeat Anglo-Saxon army, permanently altering English language and culture.

Decline of Srivjaya

PoliticsDecline of Srivjaya1079 CE · Palembang, Sumatra (Modern Indonesia)Internal strife and external pressure weaken Srivijaya's control.