January 08

Events

307day.year

Sima Chi becomes emperor of the Jin dynasty in succession to his brother, Sima Zhong, despite a challenge from his other brother, Sima Ying.

In 307, Sima Chi ascended the throne of the Jin dynasty amid intense imperial family conflict over succession.
After the death of Emperor Sima Zhong, his younger brother Sima Chi was installed as the new ruler amid intense palace intrigue. Factions at court maneuvered for control of the regency, and Sima Ying's challenge underscored deep divisions within the imperial clan. Sima Chi received formal coronation and adopted the era name Huai of Jin. His reign was shadowed by ongoing power struggles that eroded central authority. This transfer of power highlighted the vulnerability of dynastic succession in early fourth-century China. The events following his rise would contribute to the fragmentation that plagued the Jin dynasty for decades.
307 Sima Chi Jin dynasty Sima Zhong Sima Ying
871day.year

Æthelred I and Alfred the Great lead a West Saxon army to repel an invasion by Danelaw Vikings.

In 871, King Æthelred I and his brother Alfred the Great mustered West Saxon forces to thwart a major Danelaw Viking invasion.
By the late ninth century, Viking forces had established footholds across the British Isles and regularly raided West Saxon territories. On January 8, 871, King Æthelred I joined his brother Alfred in leading Saxon levies to confront a large Danelaw Viking army. The two royal siblings coordinated tactics to exploit local terrain and supply lines. Their victory prevented the invaders from advancing further into Wessex. This battle demonstrated the emerging military prowess of Alfred, who would later earn the epithet the Great. The repelled invasion solidified the confidence of West Saxon forces and marked a turning point in the defense against Norse incursions.
871 Æthelred I Alfred the Great West Saxon repel an invasion Danelaw Vikings
1297day.year

François Grimaldi, disguised as a monk, leads his men to capture the fortress protecting the Rock of Monaco, establishing his family as the rulers of Monaco.

In 1297, François Grimaldi used a daring disguise to seize control of the fortress on the Rock of Monaco, founding his family's rule.
Disguised as a Franciscan monk, François Grimaldi and his men gained covert entry to the fortress guarding the Rock of Monaco. Once inside, they overpowered the guards and opened the gates for additional forces. This audacious surprise attack established the Grimaldi family as the new rulers of Monaco. The clever stratagem became legendary as the capture by the monk. This event laid the foundation for the Grimaldi dynasty, which continues to reign over Monaco to this day.
1297 François Grimaldi Rock of Monaco his family Monaco
1454day.year

The papal bull Romanus Pontifex awards the Kingdom of Portugal exclusive trade and colonization rights to all of Africa south of Cape Bojador.

In 1454, Pope Nicholas V issued Romanus Pontifex, granting Portugal exclusive rights to explore and colonize lands south of Cape Bojador.
Issued by Pope Nicholas V, the papal bull Romanus Pontifex granted the Portuguese crown the sole authority to trade with, colonize, and exploit territories south of Cape Bojador. It formalized Portugal's maritime ambitions by discouraging rival European powers from encroaching on these regions. The decree laid a legal foundation for African exploration, including voyages by Henry the Navigator’s expeditions. It also became a cornerstone document that influenced subsequent European colonial charters. Over time, Romanus Pontifex had profound implications for the transatlantic slave trade and the expansion of European empires.
1454 papal bull Romanus Pontifex Kingdom of Portugal Cape Bojador
1499day.year

Louis XII of France marries Anne of Brittany in accordance with a law set by his predecessor, Charles VIII.

In 1499, King Louis XII of France married Anne of Brittany, uniting the duchy of Brittany with the French crown.
Following a provision established by Charles VIII, Louis XII wed Duchess Anne of Brittany to secure Brittany's union with France. The marriage ceremony symbolized the consolidation of French royal authority over a semi-autonomous duchy. Anne retained her title and negotiated privileges to preserve local customs and laws. The alliance brought important territorial integration and cultural exchange between Brittany and the rest of France. This dynastic union shaped the political landscape of France until Brittany's formal incorporation in 1532.
1499 Louis XII of France Anne of Brittany Charles VIII
1547day.year

The first Lithuanian-language book, the Catechism of Martynas Mažvydas, is published in Königsberg.

In 1547, Martynas Mažvydas published the first book in Lithuanian, the Catechism, in Königsberg.
The Catechism of Martynas Mažvydas marked the birth of Lithuanian printed literature when it was published in Königsberg. Aimed at spreading Protestant teachings, the work presented Christian doctrines and a basic grammar primer in vernacular Lithuanian. It introduced a standardized written form for the Lithuanian language and preserved rare early texts. As the earliest surviving Lithuanian publication, it holds immense national and cultural significance. Mažvydas's achievement laid a foundation for future Lithuanian authors and the preservation of Baltic heritage.
1547 Lithuanian-language Catechism of Martynas Mažvydas Königsberg
1735day.year

The premiere of George Frideric Handel's Ariodante takes place at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden.

In 1735, Handel's opera Ariodante premiered at Covent Garden, showcasing his mastery of dramatic baroque music.
George Frideric Handel's Ariodante, based on episodes from Ariosto's epic poem, debuted at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden. The production featured lavish stage effects and celebrated performers, including the famed soprano castrato Carestini. Audiences and critics praised its poignant arias, intricate recitatives, and engaging dance sequences. The opera cemented Handel's reputation in London and influenced the development of opera seria across Europe. Ariodante remains a beloved work in the baroque repertoire and continues to be revived on modern stages.
1735 George Frideric Handel Ariodante Royal Opera House Covent Garden
1746day.year

Second Jacobite rising: Bonnie Prince Charlie occupies Stirling.

During the Second Jacobite Rising of 1746, Charles Edward Stuart captured the strategic town of Stirling.
As part of the 1745–46 Jacobite campaign, Bonnie Prince Charlie's forces occupied Stirling on January 8, 1746. The town's capture boosted Jacobite morale by establishing a foothold in the Scottish Lowlands. Government troops under the Duke of Cumberland were compelled to divert resources to counter this bold move. Although the Jacobite army's advance would falter later that year, the Stirling occupation proved its capacity to challenge Hanoverian control. This episode remains a dramatic highlight of the uprising and a testament to its early successes.
1746 Second Jacobite rising Bonnie Prince Charlie Stirling
1790day.year

George Washington delivers the first State of the Union address in New York City.

In 1790, President George Washington delivered the inaugural State of the Union address before Congress in New York City.
On January 8, 1790, President George Washington addressed a joint session of Congress at Federal Hall, outlining the condition of the new republic. He reviewed matters of public credit, the national debt, and proposed measures to encourage commerce and industry. Washington emphasized the importance of unity, the rule of law, and the separation of powers. His speech established the precedent for regular presidential reports to the legislature. The address shaped the future of executive–legislative relations and the enduring tradition of the State of the Union.
1790 George Washington State of the Union address
1806day.year

The Dutch Cape Colony in southern Africa becomes the British Cape Colony as a result of the Battle of Blaauwberg.

Following the 1806 Battle of Blaauwberg, British forces seized the Dutch Cape Colony, marking a key colonial transfer in southern Africa.
In January 1806, British troops defeated Dutch defenders at the Battle of Blaauwberg and assumed control of the Cape Colony. The takeover ended nearly two centuries of Dutch rule and integrated the territory into the British Empire. The Cape became a vital naval station and resupply port on the route to India. Under British administration, new policies shaped land tenure, immigration, and trade in the region. This colonial transfer laid groundwork for the eventual formation of modern South Africa and its complex colonial legacy.
1806 Dutch Cape Colony Cape Colony Battle of Blaauwberg
1811day.year

Charles Deslondes leads an unsuccessful slave revolt in the North American settlements of St. Charles and St. James, Louisiana.

In 1811, Charles Deslondes led the largest slave uprising in U.S. history along the plantations of St. Charles and St. James in Louisiana. Despite initial successes in capturing plantation materials, the revolt was quickly suppressed by colonial militias.
Tensions among enslaved people on Louisiana plantations culminated on January 8, 1811, when Charles Deslondes rallied hundreds of captives in a bid for freedom. They seized weapons, freed other enslaved people, and sought to march toward New Orleans. The uprising spread across the two parishes before local militias and settlers met them with superior force. Many rebels were captured, and Deslondes was executed, bringing a swift end to the insurrection. Although short-lived, the revolt sent shockwaves through the slaveholding South and foreshadowed the growing resistance that would eventually lead to emancipation.
1811 Charles Deslondes an unsuccessful slave revolt St. Charles St. James, Louisiana
1815day.year

War of 1812: Battle of New Orleans: Andrew Jackson leads American forces in victory over the British.

The Battle of New Orleans on January 8, 1815, saw Major General Andrew Jackson decisively defeat British forces, achieving a significant American victory in the War of 1812.
Fought after the signing of the Treaty of Ghent, the Battle of New Orleans was the final major engagement of the War of 1812. Jackson assembled a diverse force of militia, free African Americans, Native Americans, and pirates to fortify positions along the Rodriguez Canal. On January 8, British troops launched an assault but suffered heavy casualties under American rifle and artillery fire. The triumph bolstered national pride and propelled Jackson to fame, setting the stage for his eventual presidency. Despite its timing after the peace treaty, the battle had a lasting impact on American identity and military lore.
1815 War of 1812 Battle of New Orleans Andrew Jackson