Century
12th Century CE
What happened in the 12th Century CE.
CivilizationConstruction of Great Zimbabwec. 1100 CE · Masvingo, ZimbabweShona people build the largest pre-colonial stone structure in Africa without mortar.
ScienceComposition of the Mitakshara Law Codec. 1100 CE · Kalyan (modern Karnataka/India)Vijnaneshwara writes the Mitakshara, a seminal commentary on Hindu law that influences legal systems across India.
architectureConstruction of Angkor Wat Beginsc. 1113 CE · Angkor, CambodiaKing Suryavarman II begins building Angkor Wat as a Hindu temple complex dedicated to Vishnu.
tradePeak of the Maritime Silk Road under Song Dynastyc. 1127 CE · Hankou, ChinaThe Song Dynasty establishes a global maritime trade network connecting China to East Africa.
WarHogen Rebellion1156 CE · Kyoto, JapanCivil war between rival imperial factions leads to the rise of samurai power.
ReligionJayavarman VII Converts to Mahayana Buddhism1181 CE · Angkor Thom, CambodiaJayavarman VII adopts Mahayana Buddhism and builds Bayon.
WarGhurid Conquest of Delhic. 1192 CE · Delhi, IndiaMuhammad of Ghor defeats Prithviraj Chauhan in the Second Battle of Tarain, establishing Muslim rule over North India.
ArtConstruction of Qutub Minar Beginsc. 1199 CE · Delhi, IndiaQutb-ud-din Aibak begins construction of the Qutub Minar, a victory tower symbolizing the establishment of the Delhi Sultanate.