1339day.year
The Milanese army and the St. George's (San Giorgio) Mercenaries of Lodrisio Visconti clash in the Battle of Parabiago; Visconti is defeated.
In 1339, the Milanese army defeated Lodrisio Visconti's mercenaries at the Battle of Parabiago, securing Milan's dominance.
One of the key power struggles within the Visconti dynasty of Milan, the Battle of Parabiago saw the city's forces confront those led by the exiled noble Lodrisio Visconti. The clash unfolded on the outskirts of Parabiago and involved heavily armed mercenaries hired by Visconti. Despite initial advances, Lodrisio's troops were overwhelmed by the disciplined Milanese militia. The decisive victory solidified the rule of Azzone Visconti and thwarted Lodrisio's bid for control. Chroniclers celebrated the courage of Milanese soldiers, and the battle became a symbol of civic loyalty. The defeat forced Lodrisio into exile and ended his challenge to Milan's authority.
1339
Milanese
Lodrisio Visconti
Battle of Parabiago
1472day.year
Orkney and Shetland are pawned by Norway to Scotland in lieu of a dowry for Margaret of Denmark.
In 1472, Norway pawned the Orkney and Shetland islands to Scotland as security for Princess Margaret's dowry, leading to a permanent territorial transfer.
For centuries, the Orkney and Shetland archipelagos were under Norwegian sovereignty and vital to North Atlantic trade. The marriage of Princess Margaret of Denmark to James III of Scotland included a dowry that Norway could not fully finance. To guarantee payment, King Christian I pawned the islands to Scotland in 1472, transferring de facto control. Although intended as temporary collateral, the territory was never redeemed and became integrated into Scotland. This unexpected outcome shaped the islands' legal and cultural identity, blending Norse customs with Scottish governance. The legacy of this dynastic pact remains evident in Orkney and Shetland's unique heritage today.
1472
Orkney
Shetland
pawned
dowry
Margaret of Denmark
1521day.year
Spanish conquistador Juan Ponce de León sets out from San Juan, Puerto Rico, for Florida with about 200 prospective colonists.
In 1521, Juan Ponce de León departed Puerto Rico with around 200 colonists on his second expedition to explore and settle Florida.
Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León embarked from San Juan, Puerto Rico, aiming to establish a Spanish foothold in the region known as Florida. Motivated by tales of new lands and potential riches, he led a diverse group of settlers and soldiers. The voyage encountered rough seas and navigational challenges as they crossed the Atlantic and navigated the Caribbean. Upon landing, the expedition faced resistance from indigenous communities and struggled with scarce resources. Although unable to found a lasting colony, Ponce de León's journey paved the way for subsequent Spanish exploration and claims in North America. His expedition remains a landmark in the early colonial history of the United States.
1521
Juan Ponce de León
1547day.year
Edward VI of England is crowned King of England at Westminster Abbey.
On February 20, 1547, Edward VI was crowned King of England at Westminster Abbey, ascending the throne as a boy of just nine years old.
Following the death of his father, Henry VIII, Edward VI was formally crowned at Westminster Abbey in a ceremony that emphasized his youth and the continuity of the Tudor line. At only nine years old, his accession ushered in a regency government led by influential nobles and advisors. The new king's reign saw accelerated Protestant reforms, as his regents sought to build on the English Reformation. Lavish pageantry and ritual at the coronation contrasted with the political intrigues behind the scenes. Edward's brief tenure was marked by significant religious and cultural change before his untimely death at fifteen. His crowning highlighted the vulnerabilities and ambitions of a kingdom navigating dynastic succession and religious transformation.
1547
Edward VI of England
crowned
King of England
Westminster Abbey
1553day.year
Yohannan Sulaqa professes his Catholic belief and is ordained as bishop shortly after; this marks the beginning of the Chaldean Catholic Church.
In 1553, Yohannan Sulaqa's ordination as bishop and affirmation of Catholic faith founded the Chaldean Catholic Church in communion with Rome.
Yohannan Sulaqa, a leader within the Church of the East, traveled to Rome seeking papal support amid internal divisions. Pope Julius III recognized Sulaqa's authority and ordained him as a bishop, effectively establishing a Catholic hierarchy for Chaldean Christians. This act marked the formal beginning of the Chaldean Catholic Church, uniting Eastern liturgy with Roman Catholic doctrine. The new church offered an alternative to the traditional Nestorian patriarchate and secured political and spiritual backing from the Papacy. Over time, Chaldean Catholics preserved their distinctive liturgical rites while being incorporated into the wider Catholic world. The 1553 ordination remains a pivotal moment in the history of Eastern Christianity and its relationship with Rome.
1553
Yohannan Sulaqa
Chaldean Catholic Church
1685day.year
René-Robert Cavelier establishes Fort St. Louis at Matagorda Bay thus forming the basis for France's claim to Texas.
In 1685, explorer René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle, founded Fort St. Louis at Matagorda Bay, asserting France's territorial ambitions in Texas.
French explorer René-Robert Cavelier led an expedition to the Gulf of Mexico, aiming to establish a base for French expansion in North America. After navigational errors, La Salle landed at Matagorda Bay and constructed Fort St. Louis as a strategic outpost. The fort became France's first permanent presence in the region now known as Texas. Settlers faced hardships including disease, supply shortages, and tensions with local Indigenous groups. Despite these challenges, the settlement demonstrated France's challenge to Spanish claims in the Gulf Coast. The eventual demise of Fort St. Louis alerted Spain to secure its northern frontier more vigorously. La Salle's venture left a lasting imprint on the colonial map of North America and spurred further European rivalries.
1685
René-Robert Cavelier
Fort St. Louis
Matagorda Bay
Texas
1792day.year
The Postal Service Act, establishing the United States Post Office Department, is signed by United States President George Washington.
On February 20, 1792, President George Washington signed the Postal Service Act, creating the United States Post Office Department and standardizing mail delivery.
Recognizing the need for a unified communication network, Congress passed the Postal Service Act to organize and regulate mail distribution. Signed by President Washington, the act established the Post Office Department under the Department of State. It empowered the Postmaster General to set postage rates, define routes, and oversee operations. This legislation laid the groundwork for an expanding network of post roads and offices across the young nation. By standardizing rates and ensuring reliable service, the government fostered economic growth and civic engagement. The act also symbolized federal authority in facilitating connections between distant communities. The United States Post Office Department would become a cornerstone of national infrastructure for centuries.
1792
Postal Service Act
United States Post Office Department
George Washington
1798day.year
Louis-Alexandre Berthier removes Pope Pius VI from power.
In 1798, French General Louis-Alexandre Berthier deposed Pope Pius VI and proclaimed the Roman Republic, ending papal temporal authority.
During the French Revolutionary Wars, General Berthier led troops into the Papal States and seized Rome in February 1798. Pope Pius VI was forced to abdicate temporal power and was taken into exile by French forces. The French established the short-lived Roman Republic, abolishing centuries of papal rule. This radical upheaval reflected the revolutionary ideals of liberty and secular governance. The dramatic removal of the Pope sent shockwaves through Catholic Europe, challenging the church's political influence. Pope Pius VI died in captivity in Valence, marking a tragic end to his pontificate. The events of 1798 reshaped the relationship between church and state across Europe.
1798
Louis-Alexandre Berthier
Pope Pius VI
1813day.year
Manuel Belgrano defeats the royalist army of Pío de Tristán during the Battle of Salta.
On February 20, 1813, General Manuel Belgrano won a decisive victory over royalist forces at the Battle of Salta, bolstering Argentina's fight for independence.
As part of the Argentine War of Independence, General Belgrano led the Army of the North against royalist troops commanded by Pío de Tristán. After a strategic flanking maneuver, Belgrano's forces secured a rapid and decisive triumph near the city of Salta. The royalist army suffered significant casualties and surrendered, with thousands taken prisoner. This victory opened the way for patriot control of the northern provinces. Belgrano's success enhanced morale among independence movements across South America. The Battle of Salta remains celebrated in Argentina as a symbol of national unity and resilience. Monuments and commemorations in Salta honor this landmark achievement.
1813
Manuel Belgrano
royalist
Pío de Tristán
Battle of Salta
1816day.year
Rossini's opera The Barber of Seville premieres at the Teatro Argentina in Rome.
Rossini's comic opera The Barber of Seville premiered at the Teatro Argentina in Rome on February 20, 1816, captivating audiences with its vivacious score.
Adapted from Beaumarchais's play, Gioachino Rossini's opera The Barber of Seville debuted to a blend of anticipation and skepticism. Rossini, just 24 years old, composed the work in under three weeks, showcasing his gift for melody and wit. The premiere featured lively arias like "Largo al factotum" that highlighted the charisma of the barber Figaro. Although the initial reception was mixed due to cast mishaps and vocal challenges, the opera soon triumphed in Rome and beyond. Its sparkling orchestration and humorous plot helped define the bel canto style of early 19th-century opera. Today, The Barber of Seville stands as one of the most frequently performed operas worldwide, beloved for its effervescence and charm.
1816
Rossini's
The Barber of Seville
Teatro Argentina
1824day.year
William Buckland formally announces the name Megalosaurus, the first scientifically validly named non-avian dinosaur species.
English geologist William Buckland introduces Megalosaurus, marking the first scientific naming of a non-avian dinosaur.
In 1824, William Buckland presented the name Megalosaurus for a large fossil reptile discovered in Oxfordshire. This was the first time a non-avian dinosaur was given a valid scientific name. Buckland's work laid the groundwork for the emerging field of paleontology. His announcement captured public imagination and sparked interest in the ancient world. The name Megalosaurus, meaning 'great lizard', remains famous in dinosaur research.
1824
William Buckland
Megalosaurus
1835day.year
The 1835 Concepción earthquake destroys Concepción, Chile.
A powerful earthquake devastates the city of Concepción, Chile, causing widespread destruction.
On February 20, 1835, a massive earthquake struck Concepción, Chile, leveling much of the city. With an estimated magnitude exceeding 8.0, the quake triggered fires and landslides that compounded the damage. Thousands of buildings were ruined and many lives were lost. The disaster led to significant changes in local architecture and urban planning. It remains one of the most devastating seismic events in Chilean history.
1835
1835 Concepción earthquake
Concepción, Chile