660 BC Traditional date for the foundation of Japan by Emperor Jimmu. 55           Tiberius Claudius Caesar Britannicus, heir to the Roman Emperorship, dies under mysterious circumstances inRome. This clears the way for Nero to become Emperor (born 41). 244        Emperor Gordian III is murdered by mutinous soldiers in Zaitha (Mesopotamia). A mound is raised at… Continue reading →

1126       William IX (died), Duke of Aquitaine (born 1071) 1258      Baghdad falls to the Mongols, and the Abbasid Caliphate is destroyed. 1278      Margaret II (died), Countess of Flanders (born 1202) 1306      In front of the high altar of Greyfriars Church in Dumfries, Robert the Bruce murders John Comyn sparking revolution in the Scottish Wars of… Continue reading →

474        Zeno crowned as co-emperor of the Byzantine Empire. 1555      Bishop of Gloucester John Hooper is burned at the stake. 1621       Gregory XV becomes Pope, the last Pope elected by acclamation. 1711       Luis Vicente de Velasco e Isla (born), Spanish sailor and commander (died 1762) 1737      Thomas Paine (born), English-American philosopher, author,… Continue reading →

1238 – The Mongols burn the Russian city of Vladimir. 1250 – Seventh Crusade: Crusaders engage Ayyubid forces in the Battle of Al Mansurah. 1250 – William II Longespée (died), English martyr (born 1212) 1265 – Hulagu Khan (died), Mongol ruler (born 1217) 1575 – Universiteit Leiden is founded, and given the motto Praesidium Libertatis…. Continue reading →

457        Leo I becomes emperor of the Byzantine Empire. 1074      Pandulf IV of Benevento is killed battling the invading Normans at the Battle of Montesarchio. 1478      Thomas More (born), English politician and author (died 1535) 1497      The bonfire of the vanities occurs in which supporters of Girolamo Savonarola burn thousands of objects like cosmetics, art,… Continue reading →