Editing 1254 (section)

==== Europe ====
* [[May 21]] &ndash; King [[Conrad IV of Germany|Conrad IV]], son of the late Emperor [[Frederick II, Holy Roman Emperor|Frederick II]], dies of [[malaria]] at [[Lavello]] (southern [[Kingdom of Italy (Holy Roman Empire)|Italy]]). With Conrad's death a [[interregnum]] begins, during which no ruler manages to gain undisputed control of [[Kingdom of Germany|Germany]]. The 22-year-old [[Manfred, King of Sicily|Manfred]], half-brother of Conrad, refuses to surrender [[Kingdom of Sicily|Sicily]] to [[Pope Innocent IV]] and accepts the regency on behalf of Conrad's 2-year-old son [[Conradin]] ("the Younger"). 
* [[November 2]] &ndash; German forces under Manfred start an anti-papal revolt against Innocent IV and seize [[Lucera]] in the [[Tavoliere delle Puglie|Tavoliere Plains]]. He defeats the papal army at [[Foggia]] and gains the loyalty of [[Apulia]], on [[December 2]].<ref>Hywel Williams (2005). ''Cassell's Chronology of World History'', p. 142. {{ISBN|0-304-35730-8}}.</ref>
* King [[Afonso III of Portugal]] ("the Boulonnais") holds the first session of the [[Portuguese Cortes|''Cortes'']] ([[Kingdom of Portugal|Portugal]]'s general assembly composed of nobles, members of the middle class and representatives from all municipalities), in [[Leiria]].
* [[William II of Holland|William II]], anti-king of Germany, holds a diet (princely convention) at [[Worms, Germany|Worms]], in which the German cities are represented for the first time. He givee orders to build strong castles in [[Heemskerk]] and [[Haarlem]].
* Doge [[Reniero Zeno]] sends the [[Horses of Saint Mark]], looted from [[Constantinople]] during the [[Fourth Crusade]], to [[Venice]], where they are installed on the terrace of the façade of [[St Mark's Basilica|St. Mark's Basilica]].