Historical Events tagged with "assassination"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Politics & Government

Isaac II Angelos's Rise to Power

September 11th, 1185 839 years ago

Isaac II Angelos assassinated Stephen Hagiochristophorites in Constantinople, following which he called upon the people to support him. This act led to widespread unrest against the ruling Emperor Andronikos I Komnenos, resulting in a revolt that successfully deposed Andronikos and placed Isaac on the throne of the Byzantine Empire.

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Politics & Government

Assassination of Emperor Wanyan Liang

December 15th, 1161 863 years ago

Following a military setback at the Battle of Caishi, military officers in the Jin dynasty conspired against Emperor Wanyan Liang. In a strategic move to regain control and influence, they executed their plan at the emperor's camp, resulting in his assassination. The betrayal stemmed from dissatisfaction among the officers regarding military leadership and defeat, paving the way for a turbulent transition in power.

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Politics & Government

Assassination of Ramon Berenguer II, Count of Barcelona

December 5th, 1082 942 years ago

Ramon Berenguer II, Count of Barcelona, was assassinated under mysterious circumstances, with strong suspicion pointing to his brother, Berenguer Ramon II, as the likely perpetrator. The incident created a significant power struggle within the region, impacting Catalan nobility and their feudal alliances. The motives behind the assassination are debated, ranging from personal rivalry to political gain, setting off a series of events that reshaped the power dynamics in Catalonia.

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Politics & Government

Al-Hakim Assassination of Barjawan

March 25th, 1000 1024 years ago

Caliph Al-Hakim bi-Amr Allah removed his chief minister, Barjawan, in a dramatic power play to consolidate control over the Fatimid government. This move marked a significant shift in the political landscape of the time as Al-Hakim sought to diminish the influence of the eunuch, who had been a key figure in governing Egypt. The assassination underscored Al-Hakim's ambitious temperament and desire for absolute power.

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Politics & Government

Assassination of Nikephoros II Phokas

December 11th, 969 1055 years ago

Nikephoros II Phokas was assassinated by his wife Theophano and her lover, John I Tzimiskes. The conspiracy unfolded in the palace of Constantinople, where the plotting couple sought to end the emperor's rule, allowing for a shift in power dynamics within the Byzantine Empire. This act was driven by personal motives, including political ambition and a desire for vengeance against Nikephoros II, who was known for his militaristic and autocratic leadership style.

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Politics & Government

Death of William I of Normandy

December 17th, 942 1082 years ago

William I of Normandy was assassinated in 942, during a tumultuous period in the region. He was a key figure in the formation of the Duchy of Normandy and had established significant power in the area. His assassination is attributed to political conflicts and rivalries that were rampant among powerful families in the region. This incident marks a significant turning point in the political dynamics of Normandy and its relations with neighboring territories.

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Politics & Government

Zhu Quanzhong Assassination of Emperor Zhaozong

September 22nd, 904 1120 years ago

Zhu Quanzhong, a military governor, orchestrated the assassination of Emperor Zhaozong of Tang, seizing control of the imperial government. This act ended the reign of the emperor, who was increasingly powerless amidst the political chaos of the late Tang dynasty. Zhu had initially been a loyal supporter, but growing tensions and ambitions led him to take drastic measures against Zhaozong, ultimately leading to the emperor’s death. The event marked a significant power shift in the Tang dynasty.

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Politics & Government

Murder of Emperor Leo V in Constantinople

December 25th, 820 1204 years ago

Emperor Leo V was murdered by supporters of Michael II in a church located within the Great Palace of Constantinople. The assassination was fueled by a power struggle following the defeat of the Byzantine Empire's forces in battle. This violent act took place during a politically turbulent period, showcasing the intense factionalism within the imperial court. The assassins sought to eliminate Leo V as a threat to Michael II’s ambitions for the throne. The act of murder in a sacred space added a dramatic and shocking dimension to the political intrigue of the time.

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Politics & Government

Murder of King Æthelred I and Rise of Osbald

April 18th, 796 1228 years ago

King Æthelred I of Northumbria was murdered in Corbridge by a group of his ealdormen, Ealdred and Wada, who sought to greater influence in the region. Following the king's death, the patrician Osbald was crowned to take his place, though he abdicated after 27 days. The swift transition of power marked a tumultuous period in Northumbrian politics.

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