1045

Events

• Emperor Go-Reizei ascends the throne of Japan.
• Edward the Confessor marries Edith of Wessex, and begins construction of Westminster Abbey in England.
• January 20 - Pope Sylvester III becomes the 146th pope, succeeding Benedict IX, who abdicated during the previous year.
• February - Pope Sylvester III is deposed ; Pope Benedict IX is elected once more, becoming the 147th pope.
• May 5 - Pope Gregory VI becomes the 148th pope, following the resignation of Pope Benedict IX in exchange for money. There are growing allegations that simony is taking place during Gregory VI's reign.
• Movable type printing is invented by Bi Sheng in China.
• The Lingxiao Pagoda of China is built, during the Song Dynasty.
• The Qingli Reforms, put forth by the Chinese statesman Fan Zhongyan in 1043, are halted by their conservative ministerial peers, but will later influence reform efforts under Wang Anshi.
• The Bagratid Kingdom of Armenia is surrendered to the Eastern Roman Empire, ending the Kingdom.

  Births

• Stephen, Count of Blois
• Huang Tingjian, famous Chinese calligrapher, painter, and poet

  Deaths

• February 7 - Emperor Go-Suzaku of Japan
• May 27 - Bruno of Würzburg, imperial chancellor of Italy
• Hemma of Gurk, Austrian religious founder and countess
• Radbot, Count of Habsburg