366      The Alemanni cross the frozen Rhine River in large numbers, invading the Roman Empire. 533      Mercurius becomes Pope John II, the first pope to adopt a new name upon elevation to thepapacy. 1492     Reconquista: the Emirate of Granada, the last Moorish stronghold in Spain, surrenders. 1777     American Revolutionary War: American forces under the command… Continue reading →

Global Family Day (International) 45 BC    The Julian calendar takes effect for the first time. 1449      Lorenzo de’ Medici (born), Italian politician (died 1492) 1502      The present-day location of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil is first explored by the Portuguese. 1748      Johann Bernoulli (died), Swiss mathematician (born 1667) 1752      Betsy Ross (born), American seamstress, designed the… Continue reading →

800      Coronation of Charlemagne as Holy Roman Emperor, in Rome. 1066     William the Conqueror, Duke of Normandy is crowned king of England, at Westminster Abbey, London. 1635     Samuel de Champlain (died), French soldier, geographer, and explorer (born 1567) 1642     Isaac Newton (born), English physicist, mathematician, astronomer, philosopher, and theologian (died 1727) 1776     George Washington and… Continue reading →

1166     John (born), King of England (died 1216) 1508     Pietro Carnesecchi (born), Italian humanist (died 1567) 1660     Mary (died), Princess Royal and Princess of Orange (born 1631) 1777     Kiritimati, also called Christmas Island, is discovered by James Cook. 1809     Kit Carson (born), American soldier (died 1868) 1814     The Treaty of Ghent is signed ending the… Continue reading →

1513     Thomas Smith (born), English diplomat and scholar (died 1577) 1783     George Washington resigns as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army at the Maryland State House in Annapolis, Maryland. 1805     Joseph Smith (born), American religious leader, founder and leader of the Latter Day Saint movement (died 1844) 1805     Pehr Osbeck (died), Swedish explorer (born 1723) 1823    … Continue reading →