Events from 1170

Constitutions of Clarendon codified - defining boundaries between ecclesiastical and royal jurisdiction in England

Courts of Love at Poitiers - Eleanor and daughter Marie de Champagne preside, codify rules of courtly love, judge love disputes

Troubadour influence creates Minnesinger tradition - German courts adapt courtly love poetry, Walther von der Vogelweide emerges

Saladin courts Venetian traders - despite Crusades, allows Venice to trade in Alexandria and Cairo for naval support

Inquest of Sheriffs - Henry II investigates and dismisses corrupt sheriffs, replaces with professional administrators loyal only to crown

First European 'price revolution' - massive silver influx from German mines causes widespread inflation, social upheaval

Thomas Becket murdered in Canterbury Cathedral - 'Will no one rid me of this turbulent priest?'