1440   Gilles de Rais, one of the earliest known serial killers, is taken into custody upon an accusation brought against him by the Bishop of Nantes. 1533    Catherine of Austria (born), Queen of Poland (died 1572) 1616    The first non-aristocratic, free public school in Europe is opened in Frascati, Italy. 1736    Jean Sylvain Bailly (born),… Continue reading →

23        Drusus Julius Caesar (died), Roman son of Tiberius (born 13 BC) 81        Domitian becomes Emperor of the Roman Empire upon the death of his brother Titus. 629     Emperor Heraclius enters Constantinople in triumph after his victory over the Persian Empire. 775      Constantine V (died), Byzantine emperor (born 718) 891      Pope Stephen V (died) 1388  … Continue reading →

585 BC  Lucius Tarquinius Priscus, king of Rome, celebrates a triumph for his victories over the Sabines, and the surrender of Collatia. 509 BC  The Temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus on Rome’s Capitoline Hill is dedicated on the ides of September. 64        Julia Flavia (born), Roman daughter of Titus (died 91) 81        Titus (died), Roman… Continue reading →

490 BC  Battle of Marathon: The conventionally accepted date for the Battle of Marathon. The Athenians and their Plataean allies, defeat the first Persian invasion force of Greece. 1362    Pope Innocent VI (died) (born 1295) 1492    Lorenzo de’ Medici (born), Duke of Urbino (died 1519) 1494    Francis I of France (born), King of France (died… Continue reading →

1297    Battle of Stirling Bridge: Scots jointly-led by William Wallace and Andrew Moray defeat the English. 1522    Ulisse Aldrovandi (born), Italian biologist (died 1605) 1541    Santiago, Chile, is destroyed by indigenous warriors, led by Michimalonco. 1609   Henry Hudson discovers Manhattan Island and the indigenous people living there. 1677    James Harrington (died), English philosopher and theorist… Continue reading →