Historical Events tagged with "history"

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.

Natural Disasters

Devastating Earthquake Hits Island of Rhodes

May 3rd, 1481 543 years ago

A catastrophic earthquake struck the island of Rhodes, leading to an estimated 30,000 casualties and widespread destruction. This seismic event was one of a trio of earthquakes that ravaged the region, causing significant damage to towns and infrastructure. The tremors were felt across the island, with many buildings collapsing and loss of life occurring both in the immediate epicenter and surrounding areas. The disaster highlighted the geological instability of the region and the vulnerability of its inhabitants.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

Yorkists Defeat Lancastrians at Barnet

April 14th, 1471 553 years ago

The Yorkist army, led by King Edward IV, achieved a decisive victory over the Lancastrians at the Battle of Barnet. Fighting took place near Barnet in England, where the Earl of Warwick, commanding the Lancastrian forces, was killed. This battle significantly contributed to Edward IV's return to the throne, solidifying his position in the ongoing Wars of the Roses.

Continue Reading
Politics & Government

Louis XI Establishes the Order of Saint Michael

August 1st, 1469 555 years ago

In Amboise, Louis XI of France founded the Order of Saint Michael as a chivalric order to reward loyalty and service. This order was intended to fortify the monarch's authority and bring together a privileged group of knights. It was seen as a means to enhance the king's prestige and create a network of loyal noblemen. The ceremony was marked by the bestowing of the insignia of the order, which included a depiction of Saint Michael slaying a dragon, symbolizing valor and protection.

Continue Reading
Social Movements & Civil Rights

Attack on Jewish Mellah During Fez Unrest

May 14th, 1465 559 years ago

During the Moroccan revolution, as tensions escalated in Fez, the local population attacked the Jewish mellah. This event was marked by conflict following the overthrow of the Marinid dynasty, leading to violence primarily targeted against the Jewish community. While the reasons for the unrest were rooted in broader sociopolitical upheaval, the extent and nature of violence against the mellah remain subjects of debate among historians.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

Vlad the Impaler's Night Attack on Mehmed II

June 17th, 1462 562 years ago

In an audacious military maneuver, Vlad the Impaler, the Voivode of Wallachia, conducted a surprise night attack against the Ottoman forces led by Sultan Mehmed II. This assault, known as the Night Attack at Târgovişte, aimed to eliminate Mehmed II's presence in Wallachia. Utilizing hit-and-run tactics and exploiting the element of surprise, Vlad's forces forced Mehmed's retreat from the region, showcasing his military ingenuity. The attack occurred near Târgovişte, a significant city in Wallachia, which served as a strategic seat of power for Vlad.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

The Empire of Trebizond Surrendered

August 15th, 1461 563 years ago

The Empire of Trebizond capitulated to Sultan Mehmed II in 1461, marking a significant moment in the decline of Byzantine sovereignty. Under the pressure of a sustained siege by the Ottoman forces, the last Byzantine enclave in the region fell, leading to the exile of Emperor David Komnenos. His subsequent murder underscored the brutal realities of this period as the Ottomans expanded their territory.

Continue Reading
Politics & Government

Cao Qin's Coup Against the Tianshun Emperor

August 7th, 1461 563 years ago

Cao Qin, a military general, led a coup against the Tianshun Emperor in China, seeking to seize control of the Ming dynasty. The coup was motivated by political dissatisfaction within the court and grievances against the emperor's rule. The incident unfolded within the context of a military-led political landscape marked by power struggles and intrigue. Cao's ambitions reflected broader tensions in the Ming dynasty during a time when military leaders held significant sway over political affairs.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

Edward IV Triumphs at the Battle of Towton

March 29th, 1461 563 years ago

The Battle of Towton was a defining conflict in the Wars of the Roses, marked by a decisive victory for Edward of York. On a snowy Day, his forces faced off against Queen Margaret's Lancastrian army in a brutal confrontation in Yorkshire. Edward's strategic acumen, combined with better positioning and the morale of his troops, helped to ensure a crushing defeat for the Lancastrians, affirming Edward's claim to the throne and propelling him towards kingship as Edward IV.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

Battle of Mortimer's Cross Results in Owen Tudor's Death

February 2nd, 1461 564 years ago

The Battle of Mortimer's Cross was a significant confrontation during the Wars of the Roses, marking the engagement of forces aligned with the House of York and those supporting the House of Lancaster. On this day, Owen Tudor, a prominent figure supporting the Lancastrians, was killed. The battle took place in Herefordshire, England, and was a decisive victory for the Yorkists, further consolidating their power in the ongoing civil conflict. The battle was notable not only for its military outcome but also for its political ramifications, as it contributed to the shifting dynamics of noble allegiances in the struggle for the English crown.

Continue Reading