The 12th century saw a cultural and intellectual revival across Europe (the 12th-Century Renaissance), marked by the rise of universities, the construction of the first great Gothic cathedrals, and continued religious conflict in the Middle East.

• Major Events
  1. Founding of major European universities (e.g., University of Paris, University of Oxford).
  2. The Second and Third Crusades (1147–1192 CE).
  3. Saladin captures Jerusalem from the Crusaders (1187 CE).
  4. The High Classical period of the Song Dynasty's technological and economic power.
• Major Empires
  1. Holy Roman Empire (Under the Hohenstaufen Dynasty)
  2. Ayyubid Sultanate (Founded by Saladin)
  3. Byzantine Empire (Height of the Komnenian Restoration)
  4. Song Dynasty (China)
• Major Conflicts
  1. Third Crusade (1189–1192 CE)
  2. Battle of Hattin (1187 CE)
  3. The Angevin Empire (conflict between England and France)
• Population Trends
  1. Continued rapid population growth and agricultural expansion across Europe.
  2. Major growth of cities and towns supporting trade and new university centers.
• Key Leaders
  1. Saladin (Founder of the Ayyubid Dynasty, recaptured Jerusalem)
  2. Richard I (Richard the Lionheart, King of England)
  3. Frederick I Barbarossa (Holy Roman Emperor)
• Key Intellectuals
  1. Maimonides (Jewish philosopher and physician)
  2. Averroes (Islamic philosopher and polymath)
  3. Hildegard of Bingen (German polymath, mystic, and composer)
• Major Religions
  1. Christianity (Expansion of monastic orders; rise of Scholasticism).
  2. Islam (Consolidation under the Ayyubid Dynasty).
  3. Buddhism (Zen Buddhism begins to spread in Japan).
• Key Developments
  1. Rise of Gothic architecture (begins with the Basilica of St Denis).
  2. Systematic application of water and wind power for industry in Europe.
  3. The earliest recorded uses of banknotes (paper money) in the Song Dynasty.