1081 - Definition and Overview

Events

• Corfu taken from Byzantine Empire by Robert Guiscard, Norman King of Southern Italy
• Byzantine emperor Nicephorus III is overthrown by Alexius I Comnenus, ending the Middle Byzantine period and beginning the Comnenan dynasty
• Alexius I helps defend Albania from the Normans (the first recorded mention of Albania), but is defeated at the Battle of Dyrrhachium.
• Beginning of the construction of Saint Canute's Cathedral in Odense.
• May 8 - Alfonso VI of Castile marries Constance of Burgundy.

Births

• Henry IV, Holy Roman Emperor
• Suger, abbot of Saint Denis Basilica

Deaths

• Saint Bernard of Montjoux (or Menthon), patron saint of mountaineers.
• Byzantine emperor Nicephorus III
• September 1 - Eusebius of Angers, Bishop of Angers