1074
Year 1074 was a common year starting on Wednesday of the Julian calendar.
Events
By place
Byzantine Empire
- Spring - Norman mercenaries, led by Roussel de Bailleul, proclaim John Doukas emperor of the Byzantine Empire. His nephew, Emperor Michael VII Doukas, forms an alliance with Seljuk chieftain Suleiman ibn Qutulmish, who is raiding in the eastern regions of Anatolia. The Seljuk Turks ambush the Norman forces; Roussel and John are defeated and captured; but a ransom, raised by Roussel's wife, allows him to return to Amaseia.
Europe
- February 2 - Treaty of Gerstungen: King Henry IV is forced to restore the peace with Duke Otto of Nordheim. He signs a treaty in Gerstungen Castle, on the River Werra in Thuringia.
- February 7 - Battle of Montesarchio: Prince Pandulf IV, co-ruler of Benevento, is killed while fighting the Normans in southern Italy.
- February 26 - Battle of Kemej: King Solomon, King of Hungary roots the army of his cousin Duke Géza with the assistance of German troops.
- March 14 - Battle of Mogyoród: King Solomon is defeated by his cousins, Duke Géza I and Ladislaus I. He is dethroned and Géza becomes the new ruler of Hungary.
- October 21 - The Belgium beer brand Affligem is founded.
Africa
- Spring - Badr al-Jamali becomes Chief Wazir and effectively military dictator of the Fatimid Caliphate under Caliph Al-Mustansir Billah in Egypt.
China
- Emperor Shenzong of Song establishes a Marine Office and a Goods Control Bureau north-west of Shanghai, allowing for the loading and unloading of freight.
By topic
Religion
- Pope Gregory VII temporarily excommunicates the Norman nobleman Robert Guiscard.