Historical Events tagged with "medieval"

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.

Crime & Law

First Witchcraft Trial in Paris

October 29th, 1390 634 years ago

The first recorded trial for witchcraft in Paris resulted in the execution of three individuals accused of practicing sorcery. The trial began amidst rising superstitions and fears surrounding witchcraft in medieval Europe. Local citizens and officials were eager to find scapegoats for misfortunes, fueling the witch hunt atmosphere. The trial proceedings were marked by testimonies from witnesses and confessions reportedly obtained under duress. Following the trial, the three individuals were found guilty and subsequently executed, highlighting the harsh realities of justice at that time.

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Military & Warfare

Teutonic Knights' Siege of Vilnius Begins

September 11th, 1390 634 years ago

The Teutonic Knights initiated a five-week siege of Vilnius, aiming to capture the city during the Lithuanian Civil War. The conflict arose from internal strife, as factions fought for control. The siege was marked by strategic military maneuvers and attempted negotiations, while the besieged sought to defend their stronghold. This confrontation underscored the ongoing power struggle in the region, highlighting the tensions between the Teutonic Order and the Grand Duchy of Lithuania.

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Military & Warfare

Ottoman Victory at the Battle of Kosovo

June 15th, 1389 635 years ago

The Battle of Kosovo was fought between an Ottoman army led by Sultan Murad I and a Serbian-Bosnian coalition led by Prince Lazar Hrebeljanović. The confrontation took place in the Kosovo region, where both sides sought to assert dominance over the Balkans. The battle marked a crucial turning point as it solidified Ottoman control in the region, despite heavy casualties on both sides, including the death of Sultan Murad I. This clash was part of a broader struggle for power and territorial expansion that defined the late medieval period in Southeast Europe.

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Military & Warfare

Timur of Samarkand captures Tbilisi and King Bagrat V

November 21st, 1386 638 years ago

Timur of Samarkand sacked Tbilisi, capturing King Bagrat V of Georgia. The raid marked a significant moment in the campaign of Timur, showcasing his military prowess and further expanding his empire into Georgian territories. The siege resulted in extensive destruction and the overthrow of the local governance.

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Politics & Government

England and Portugal Sign Treaty of Windsor

May 9th, 1386 638 years ago

The Treaty of Windsor was signed, formalizing a longstanding alliance between England and Portugal. The agreement was a mutual defense pact, aimed at strengthening ties against common threats, particularly from France and Castile. This act established a partnership that would endure through the ages, marked by cooperation in trade, military campaigns, and cultural exchange. The alliance continues to be recognized as the oldest diplomatic alliance still in force.

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Politics & Government

Władysław II Jagiełło Becomes King of Poland

March 4th, 1386 639 years ago

Władysław II Jagiełło, Grand Duke of Lithuania, was crowned King of Poland during a significant ceremony in Kraków. This coronation marked the beginning of a personal union between the Kingdom of Poland and the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, bolstering their military and economic power against external threats. Jagiełło’s conversion to Christianity also played a crucial role in solidifying Christian influence in the region, as he married Queen Jadwiga of Poland. The event took place in Wawel Cathedral, a site of immense importance in Polish history.

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Politics & Government

Mary crowned as King of Hungary

September 17th, 1382 642 years ago

Mary, the daughter of Louis the Great, was crowned as King of Hungary in a remarkable ceremony. The event took place in Buda, showcasing the significance of dynastic rule in the region and reinforcing the Valois lineage in Hungary. Mary was not only the daughter of the reigning monarch but also a key figure in the continuation of royal power amid political challenges. The coronation was a crucial point in the efforts to stabilize her rule as queen regnant.

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Military & Warfare

Siege of Moscow by Tokhtamysh's Horde

August 23rd, 1382 642 years ago

The Golden Horde, under Tokhtamysh, laid siege to the capital of the Grand Duchy of Moscow, aiming to reassert Mongol dominance in the region. The siege was marked by military confrontations and strategic positioning, as Tokhtamysh sought to reclaim territories lost during the rise of Moscow's power. The siege lasted for several weeks and culminated in significant destruction and changes in political dynamics in Eastern Europe.

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Politics & Government

Tvrtko I crowned as Bosnia's first king

October 26th, 1377 647 years ago

Tvrtko I was crowned the first king of Bosnia in 1377, marking a significant moment in Bosnian history. The coronation took place in the Bosnian royal capital, Bobovac, where Tvrtko I established his dominance over the region. His reign represented the unification of various territories under a single monarchy, signifying a newfound sense of national identity for the Bosnian people. Tvrtko's crowning was a celebration of sovereignty and authority that strengthened the kingdom amid regional challenges.

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