Historical Events tagged with "paganism"

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.

Military & Warfare

Lembitu and Caupo Killed at Battle

September 21st, 1217 807 years ago

Lembitu, the leader of the Estonians, and Caupo of Turaida, a Livonian leader, were killed in a battle known as the Battle of St. Matthew's Day. The conflict arose during the Livonian Crusade, a crusade aimed at converting the pagan peoples of the region. The battle was significant for its high-profile casualties that symbolized the fierce resistance of the local Estonian populace against foreign domination by the Livonians and their allies.

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Religion & Philosophy

Lalli Kills Bishop Henry on Lake Köyliö

January 20th, 1156 869 years ago

Finnish peasant Lalli killed the English Bishop Henry on the ice of Lake Köyliö, allegedly in response to Henry's efforts to convert the local population to Christianity. The assassination is rooted in the broader context of cultural and religious tensions between the native Finnish people and the incoming foreign clergy during the 12th century.

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Military & Warfare

Theodosius I Defeats Usurper Eugenius

September 6th, 394 1630 years ago

In a decisive battle in the northeastern part of the Roman Empire, Emperor Theodosius I confronted the usurper Eugenius and his ally, Arbogast. The conflict concluded with Theodosius's forces decisively defeating Eugenius, leading to the usurper's death. Arbogast, facing inevitable defeat, escaped the battlefield but ultimately took his own life two days later. This confrontation underscored the tensions and divisions within the late Roman Empire during Theodosius's reign as he sought to consolidate his power and address the religious disputes of the time.

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Politics & Government

Arbogast Appoints Eugenius as Emperor

August 22nd, 392 1632 years ago

Arbogast, the magister militum, appointed Eugenius as Western Roman Emperor in 392. This decision came amid political turmoil and shifting allegiances within the Roman Empire. Eugenius, a former school teacher, was elevated to the throne primarily due to Arbogast's influence and military power. The appointment highlighted the growing role of military leaders in the politics of the late Roman Empire.

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Politics & Government

Julian's Sole Ascendancy in Constantinople

December 11th, 361 1663 years ago

Julian entered Constantinople as the sole Roman Emperor after the death of his cousin Constantius II. This transition marked a significant shift in leadership as Julian, who had previously espoused pagan beliefs, sought to restore traditional Roman religious practices. His arrival was met with a mixture of intrigue and apprehension among the citizens, who were used to the more Christian leadership of Constantius. Julian's reign was characterized by efforts to revive the ancient Roman religious traditions and to rebuild the empire's military strength.

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Religion & Philosophy

Constantius II Enforces Anti-Pagan Worship Edict

February 19th, 356 1669 years ago

The Roman Emperor Constantius II implemented a strict edict that prohibited the worship of pagan idols across the Roman Empire. This decree was part of a broader effort to promote Christianity as the dominant religion and suppress pagan practices. The policy targeted temples and sacred sites, enforcing penalties against those who defied the ban. The edict reflected the tensions between emerging Christian authorities and traditional pagan customs, marking a significant moment in the religious transformation of the empire during the 4th century.

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