February 27

Events

380day.year

Edict of Thessalonica: Emperor Theodosius I and his co-emperors Gratian and Valentinian II declare their wish that all Roman citizens convert to Nicene Christianity.

In 380, Emperor Theodosius I and his co-rulers issued the Edict of Thessalonica, mandating conversion of Roman citizens to Nicene Christianity.
On February 27, 380, the Roman Emperors Theodosius I, Gratian, and Valentinian II enacted the Edict of Thessalonica. The decree declared Nicene Christianity the official state religion of the Roman Empire and instructed all Roman citizens to embrace it. This marked a turning point in church-state relations, elevating Christianity above other faiths. The edict reinforced the authority of the Trinitarian doctrine established at the Council of Nicaea in 325. It led to increased imperial intervention in ecclesiastical affairs and set a precedent for religious uniformity across the empire.
380 Edict of Thessalonica Theodosius I Gratian Valentinian II Nicene Christianity
425day.year

The University of Constantinople is founded by Emperor Theodosius II at the urging of his wife Aelia Eudocia.

In 425, Emperor Theodosius II founded the University of Constantinople, establishing one of the earliest major centers of higher learning in the Byzantine Empire.
On February 27, 425, Emperor Theodosius II established the University of Constantinople at the behest of Empress Aelia Eudocia. The institution became a leading center for classical studies, law, medicine, and theology in the Byzantine world. It drew scholars from across the empire and preserved Greek and Roman intellectual traditions. The university's curriculum included rhetoric, philosophy, astronomy, and the liberal arts. Its foundation laid the groundwork for medieval and later European universities. Many of its graduates served in high administrative and clerical positions.
425 University of Constantinople Theodosius II Aelia Eudocia
907day.year

Abaoji, chieftain of the Yila tribe, is named khagan of the Khitans.

In 907, Abaoji, leader of the Yila tribe, was proclaimed khagan of the Khitan people, founding the Liao Dynasty.
On this day in 907, Abaoji, the charismatic leader of the Khitan Yila tribe, was elevated to khagan by his followers. His coronation marked the formal establishment of political unity among the Khitan tribes in northeast Asia. Under his leadership, the Khitans expanded their territory and later founded the Liao Dynasty. Abaoji reformed military organization, introduced hereditary succession, and adopted administrative practices inspired by neighboring empires. His reign laid the foundation for Khitan statehood and influenced the regional balance of power.
907 Abaoji khagan Khitans
1560day.year

The Treaty of Berwick is signed by England and the Lords of the Congregation of Scotland, establishing the terms under which English armed forces were to be permitted in Scotland in order to expel occupying French troops.

In 1560, England and the Scottish Lords of the Congregation signed the Treaty of Berwick, allowing English forces into Scotland to expel French troops.
The Treaty of Berwick was signed on February 27, 1560, between Queen Elizabeth I of England and the Protestant Lords of the Congregation of Scotland. It granted English military assistance to the Scottish nobles in their campaign to oust French garrisons supporting the Catholic regent, Mary of Guise. The agreement stipulated terms for the conduct and withdrawal of English forces once French troops were expelled. It bolstered the Scottish Reformation, leading to the establishment of Protestantism as the national faith. The treaty also strengthened Anglo-Scottish relations and diminished French influence in Scotland.
1560 Treaty of Berwick England Lords of the Congregation Scotland French
1594day.year

Henry IV is crowned King of France.

In 1594, Henry of Navarre was crowned as King Henry IV of France, inaugurating the Bourbon dynasty.
On February 27, 1594, Henry of Navarre, a Protestant by birth, was crowned King Henry IV of France in Chartres Cathedral. His ascension ended decades of religious wars between Catholics and Huguenots, though some Catholic territories still resisted. He later converted to Catholicism, famously stating 'Paris is well worth a mass,' to secure his rule. Henry IV's reign ushered in relative peace, economic recovery, and the foundation for the Bourbon dynasty. His policies, including the Edict of Nantes, promoted religious toleration and royal authority.
1594 Henry IV King France
1617day.year

Sweden and the Tsardom of Russia sign the Treaty of Stolbovo, ending the Ingrian War and shutting Russia out of the Baltic Sea.

In 1617, Sweden and Russia signed the Treaty of Stolbovo, ending the Ingrian War and excluding Russia from the Baltic Sea.
Signed on February 27, 1617, the Treaty of Stolbovo concluded the Ingrian War between Sweden and the Tsardom of Russia. Under its terms, Russia ceded Ingria and Karelia to Sweden, effectively closing Russia's access to the Baltic Sea. The treaty stabilized the Swedish Empire's eastern frontier and secured its dominance in the Baltic region. It forced Russia to redirect its aspirations toward southern and eastern expansion. The agreement held until the Great Northern War in the early 18th century reshaped regional power dynamics.
1617 Sweden Tsardom of Russia Treaty of Stolbovo Ingrian War Baltic Sea
1626day.year

Yuan Chonghuan is appointed Governor of Liaodong, after leading the Chinese into a great victory against the Manchurians under Nurhaci.

In 1626, Chinese general Yuan Chonghuan was appointed Governor of Liaodong after his victory against Manchurian forces led by Nurhaci.
On February 27, 1626, the Ming dynasty appointed Yuan Chonghuan as Governor of Liaodong in recognition of his military successes. He had just repelled Manchu incursions under Nurhaci, notably winning the Battle of Ningyuan. As governor, Yuan fortified the eastern frontier and reorganized the Ming military defenses. His reforms improved troop discipline and enhanced the army's capacity to resist further Manchu advances. Yuan's tenure represented one of the last effective Ming efforts to contain the rising Qing power.
1626 Yuan Chonghuan Liaodong Manchurians Nurhaci
1776day.year

American Revolutionary War: The Battle of Moore's Creek Bridge in North Carolina breaks up a Loyalist militia.

In 1776, Patriot forces defeated a Loyalist militia at the Battle of Moore's Creek Bridge in North Carolina, undermining British authority early in the American Revolution.
The Battle of Moore's Creek Bridge took place on February 27, 1776, near Wilmington, North Carolina. American colonial Patriots laid an ambush on a Loyalist force attempting to join British troops. They greased the bridge's planks and removed rails to disrupt the Loyalists' crossing. When the militia charged onto the bridge, it collapsed under them, leading to a swift Patriot victory. The battle quashed Royalist sentiment in North Carolina and bolstered revolutionary morale in the South.
1776 American Revolutionary War Battle of Moore's Creek Bridge North Carolina Loyalist
1782day.year

American Revolutionary War: The House of Commons of Great Britain votes against further war in America.

In 1782, the British House of Commons voted against continuing war in America, paving the way toward peace negotiations to end the Revolutionary War.
On February 27, 1782, the British House of Commons voted decisively against proposals to continue the war with the American colonies. The resolution reflected widespread war fatigue and economic strain in Britain after years of overseas conflict. Prime Minister Lord North's government faced mounting criticism, leading to his resignation soon after. The vote opened the door to formal peace talks, culminating in the 1783 Treaty of Paris. It marked a turning point in Britain's imperial policy and acknowledged American independence.
1782 House of Commons of Great Britain against further war in America
1801day.year

Pursuant to the District of Columbia Organic Act of 1801, Washington, D.C. is placed under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Congress.

In 1801, the District of Columbia Organic Act placed Washington, D.C. under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Congress, creating a federal district separate from any state.
The District of Columbia Organic Act became law on February 27, 1801, bringing the newly created federal capital under congressional control. It divided the district into two counties, Washington and Alexandria, and established local courts and governance structures. By placing the capital outside state jurisdiction, the act ensured federal autonomy and neutrality. The move allowed Congress to oversee municipal affairs, taxation, and law enforcement in the district. This legislation laid the foundation for Washington, D.C.'s unique status as the seat of the U.S. government.
1801 District of Columbia Organic Act of 1801 Washington, D.C. U.S. Congress
1809day.year

Action of 27 February 1809: Captain Bernard Dubourdieu captures HMS Proserpine.

Captain Bernard Dubourdieu leads a French squadron in a daring nighttime assault to capture the British frigate HMS Proserpine during the Napoleonic Wars.
On 27 February 1809, during the Napoleonic Wars, French naval Captain Bernard Dubourdieu commanded a daring operation against the British frigate HMS Proserpine. Setting sail from Cadiz with a small squadron, Dubourdieu executed a surprise attack under cover of darkness. Despite being outnumbered, the French forces skillfully outmaneuvered Proserpine and forced her surrender. The capture dealt a blow to British naval dominance in the Mediterranean and boosted French morale. Captain Dubourdieu's leadership in this engagement solidified his reputation as a bold tactician. The action exemplified the high-stakes naval warfare that characterized the era.
1809 Action of 27 February 1809 Bernard Dubourdieu HMS Proserpine
1812day.year

Argentine War of Independence: Manuel Belgrano raises the Flag of Argentina in the city of Rosario for the first time.

Manuel Belgrano raises the flag that would become Argentina's national symbol in Rosario during the Argentine War of Independence.
On 27 February 1812, overlooking the Paraná River, General Manuel Belgrano unveiled the Flag of Argentina in Rosario for the first time. Designed with white and sky-blue bands, the flag symbolized the struggle for independence from Spain. Belgrano chose the colors drawing inspiration from the sky and the Virgin Mary's mantle. Though initially lacking official sanction, the new banner quickly became a rallying point for revolutionaries. This event marked a defining moment in Argentina's fight for sovereignty and national identity. Today, the flag raised by Belgrano endures as a central emblem of Argentine pride and unity.
1812 Argentine War of Independence Manuel Belgrano Flag of Argentina Rosario