March 17

Events

45 BC

In his last victory, Julius Caesar defeats the Pompeian forces of Titus Labienus and Pompey the Younger in the Battle of Munda.

Julius Caesar secures his last victory at the Battle of Munda, crushing the remaining Pompeian resistance in Spain.
By 45 BC the Roman civil war had spread across the republic. At Munda in southern Spain, Caesar's legions faced the forces of Titus Labienus and Pompey the Younger. The battle was fiercely contested, but Caesar's veterans ultimately prevailed, routing the Pompeian troops. This decisive victory eliminated the last organized resistance to Caesar's rule. It marked the culmination of Caesar's military campaign and secured his unchallenged position in Rome.
45 BC Julius Caesar Pompeian Titus Labienus Pompey the Younger Battle of Munda
180day.year

Commodus becomes sole emperor of the Roman Empire at the age of eighteen, following the death of his father, Marcus Aurelius.

At eighteen, Commodus ascends as sole emperor of the Roman Empire after the death of his father, Marcus Aurelius.
In 180 AD Marcus Aurelius, the 'philosopher king', dies on campaign, leaving his son Commodus as his successor. Despite his youth, Commodus inherits full imperial powers at eighteen. His rule marks a sharp departure from his father's philosophy-driven reign, as he becomes increasingly influenced by court intrigues and displays of personal authority. The Senate initially supports his accession, hoping for stability. Commodus later cultivates a cult of personality, renaming Rome in his honor. His reign ultimately sets the stage for political turbulence and the eventual decline of the Antonine dynasty.
180 Commodus emperor Roman Empire Marcus Aurelius
455day.year

Petronius Maximus becomes, with support of the Roman Senate, emperor of the Western Roman Empire; he forces Licinia Eudoxia, the widow of his predecessor, Valentinian III, to marry him.

Petronius Maximus is proclaimed Western Roman Emperor with Senate backing and compels Licinia Eudoxia to wed him.
Following the assassination of Valentinian III, the Roman Senate elevates Petronius Maximus to the Western throne. To legitimize his claim, Maximus forces the widowed Empress Licinia Eudoxia into marriage. His short reign is marked by political opportunism and instability. He struggles to secure support amid threats from barbarian tribes and court factions. The lack of popular legitimacy weakens his position, leading to his eventual downfall. The turmoil under Maximus foreshadows the weakening grip of Rome over its western territories and the looming Vandal invasion of Italy.
455 Petronius Maximus Roman Senate Western Roman Empire Licinia Eudoxia Valentinian III
1337day.year

Edward, the Black Prince is made Duke of Cornwall, the first Duchy in England.

Edward, the Black Prince, is granted the title Duke of Cornwall, creating England's first royal duchy.
In 1337 Edward of Woodstock, known as the Black Prince, is invested as Duke of Cornwall by his father, King Edward III. This establishes the first dukedom in the English peerage, elevating Edward to the highest rank below the king. The title brings significant lands, incomes, and prestige, cementing the prince's status as heir apparent. The creation of Cornwall as a duchy also sets a precedent for future royal titles and the governance of Cornwall. Edward's military successes in France further enhance the renown of the title. The Duke of Cornwall title continues to be associated with the monarch's eldest son in modern times.
1337 Edward, the Black Prince Duke of Cornwall Duchy England
1400day.year

Turko-Mongol emperor Timur sacks Damascus.

Timur, the Turko-Mongol conqueror, captures and sacks Damascus during his 1400 Middle Eastern campaign.
In March 1400 the armies of Timur, also known as Tamerlane, reach Damascus after sweeping through Persia and Mesopotamia. The city falls after a brief siege, and Timur orders a large-scale massacre of its inhabitants. Major landmarks, including mosques and caravanserais, are plundered or destroyed. The sack deals a crushing blow to the Mamluk Sultanate's prestige. Damascus remains under Timur's shadow until his forces withdraw. The event underscores the brutality of Timur's conquests and reshapes power dynamics in the Middle East for decades.
1400 Turko-Mongol Timur sacks Damascus
1776day.year

American Revolution: The British Army evacuates Boston, ending the Siege of Boston, after George Washington and Henry Knox place artillery in positions overlooking the city.

British forces evacuate Boston, concluding the Siege of Boston after colonial artillery is positioned on Dorchester Heights.
During the American Revolution, General George Washington orchestrates a bold plan to break the British hold on Boston. Colonel Henry Knox transports captured artillery from Fort Ticonderoga to Dorchester Heights overlooking the city. On March 17, 1776, the British realize their vulnerable position and withdraw by sea to Halifax. The evacuation ends an eight-month siege and grants the patriots their first major strategic victory. The success boosts colonial morale and solidifies Washington's reputation as a capable commander. Control of Boston provides a symbolic and logistical advantage to the revolutionary cause.
1776 American Revolution British Army evacuates Boston Siege of Boston George Washington Henry Knox place artillery
1805day.year

The Italian Republic, with Napoleon as president, becomes the Kingdom of Italy, with Napoleon as King of Italy.

Napoleon elevates the Italian Republic to the Kingdom of Italy and crowns himself as its king.
On March 17, 1805, Napoleon Bonaparte transforms the French-sponsored Italian Republic into the Kingdom of Italy. He assumes the title King of Italy and is crowned with the Iron Crown of Lombardy in Milan. This change formalizes French dominance over northern Italy and integrates Napoleonic legal and administrative reforms. The new kingdom serves as a model satellite state bolstering Napoleon's control in Europe. Italian subjects gain a centralized government but remain under French influence. The reorganization lays groundwork for later unification movements by standardizing institutions.
1805 Italian Republic Napoleon Kingdom of Italy King of Italy
1824day.year

The Anglo-Dutch Treaty is signed in London, dividing the Malay archipelago. As a result, the Malay Peninsula is dominated by the British, while Sumatra and Java and surrounding areas are dominated by the Dutch.

The Anglo-Dutch Treaty divides the Malay archipelago, assigning the Malay Peninsula to Britain and Java and Sumatra to the Netherlands.
Signed in London on March 17, 1824, the Anglo-Dutch Treaty clarifies colonial boundaries in Southeast Asia. The British secure dominance over the Malay Peninsula, including Malacca and Singapore. The Dutch retain control of Sumatra, Java, Borneo, and adjacent islands. This formal partition reduces friction between the two powers and establishes clear spheres of influence. The agreement influences trade routes and colonial administration for decades. It also lays foundations for modern national borders in Malaysia and Indonesia. The treaty marks a pivotal moment in European imperial competition in the region.
1824 Anglo-Dutch Treaty
1842day.year

The Female Relief Society of Nauvoo is formally organized with Emma Smith as president.

The Female Relief Society of Nauvoo is established with Emma Smith as its first president, pioneering women’s charitable work in the Latter-day Saint movement.
Founded on March 17, 1842, in Nauvoo, Illinois, the Female Relief Society becomes one of the earliest organized women’s service organizations in America. Guided by Emma Smith, the society focuses on providing relief and support to widows, orphans, and the needy. Meetings incorporate instruction in spiritual, social, and practical skills. The organization empowers female members to take leadership roles within the Latter-day Saint community. Despite initial opposition, the society grows rapidly and influences similar groups. Its legacy endures today as the Relief Society of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, one of the largest women’s organizations worldwide.
1842 Female Relief Society of Nauvoo Emma Smith
1860day.year

The First Taranaki War begins in Taranaki, New Zealand, a major phase of the New Zealand Wars.

The First Taranaki War erupts in New Zealand over disputed land sales, marking a significant phase in the New Zealand Wars.
On March 17, 1860, conflict ignites in New Zealand’s Taranaki region when disputes over the sale of Māori land at Waitara lead to armed confrontation. British colonial forces clash with local Māori fighters led by Wiremu Kingi. The war becomes the first major engagement of the New Zealand Wars, highlighting tensions over sovereignty and land rights. Battles like Waireka set a pattern of frontier warfare characterized by sieges and guerilla tactics. The conflict disrupts local communities and has lasting social consequences. Its outcome shapes subsequent colonial policy and negotiations with Māori iwi.
1860 First Taranaki War Taranaki New Zealand Wars
1861day.year

The Kingdom of Italy is proclaimed.

In 1861, the Kingdom of Italy was officially proclaimed under Victor Emmanuel II, unifying numerous Italian states into a single nation.
On March 17, 1861, the Kingdom of Italy was proclaimed in Turin, culminating the Risorgimento unification movement. The new monarchy under Victor Emmanuel II brought together Sardinia, Lombardy, and various duchies under the House of Savoy. This proclamation marked the end of centuries of foreign domination and fragmented states on the Italian peninsula. Representatives from across Italy formalized a constitutional framework blending monarchical and parliamentary elements. Despite regional differences and future political challenges, the establishment of the kingdom laid foundations for modern Italian identity and governance.
1861 Kingdom of Italy
1862day.year

The first railway line of Finland between cities of Helsinki and Hämeenlinna, called Päärata, is officially opened.

Finland’s first railway, Päärata, opened in 1862, connecting Helsinki to Hämeenlinna and revolutionizing transport on the Finnish mainland.
On March 17, 1862, the Päärata railway line officially began operation, linking Helsinki and Hämeenlinna across 108 kilometers of track. Constructed under the Russian Grand Duchy’s authority, it was Finland’s inaugural major rail project. The line enabled faster movement of people, timber, and goods, spurring economic growth and regional integration. Stations and infrastructure were built using local materials, setting standards for future expansion of Finnish railways. Päärata remained a vital corridor in Finland’s network and symbolized the country’s industrial advancement.
1862 railway line Finland Helsinki Hämeenlinna Päärata