1049

By place

Byzantine Empire

• Spring - Pecheneg Revolt: Emperor Constantine IX decides to transfer 15,000 Pecheneg warriors from their positions in the Balkans to the eastern front. Upon approaching the Bosporus, the Pechenegs decide to turn back, and march through Bulgaria, until they reach the Byzantine city of Serdia. Later, joined by followers, the Pecheneg tribes raise the banner of revolt in Thrace.

Europe

• January 13 - Theodwin, prince-bishop of Liège, defeats Count Dirk IV of West Frisia near Dordrecht and restores imperial authority in the Rhine Delta.
• The Republic of Pisa successfully completes the conquest of Sardinia, from the Andalusian occupiers.

British Isles

• Viking Irish raiders ally with King Gruffydd ap Rhydderch of Gwent in raiding along the River Severn.

Africa

• The Banu Hilal, a confederation of tribes of Arabia, begin their invasion in the Maghreb. They are organized by the Egyptian Fatimid Caliphate to punish their former Zirid vassals.

Asia

• The Iron Pagoda in Kaifeng is constructed, during the Chinese Song dynasty.

By topic

Religion

• February 12 - Pope Leo IX succeeds Damasus II, as the 152nd pope of the Catholic Church. He goes on a one-year trip to promote the cause of the reformist program among the European prelates.