March 19

Events

1277day.year

The Byzantine–Venetian treaty of 1277 is concluded, stipulating a two-year truce and renewing Venetian commercial privileges in the Byzantine Empire.

The 1277 treaty between Byzantium and Venice set a two-year truce and restored trading rights for Venetian merchants in the empire.
The treaty negotiated in March 1277 marked a significant diplomatic achievement for both the Byzantine Empire and the Republic of Venice. It established a formal two-year truce following years of intermittent conflict across the Aegean Sea. Under the agreement, Venice regained the right to trade freely in key Byzantine ports. The treaty reaffirmed Venetian commercial privileges such as tax exemptions and access to markets throughout the empire. In return, the Byzantines received assurances of Venetian neutrality against their rivals. This renewal helped stabilize regional commerce and maritime relations. Although temporary, the accord reflected the pragmatic balance of power in the Eastern Mediterranean. It set a precedent for future diplomatic engagements between the two states.
1277 Byzantine–Venetian treaty of 1277 Byzantine Empire
1279day.year

A Mongol victory at the Battle of Yamen ends the Song dynasty in China.

The Mongols defeated the Song navy at the Battle of Yamen in 1279, bringing an end to China's Song dynasty.
In March 1279, the Mongol forces under Kublai Khan delivered a crushing defeat to the Song dynasty's navy at Yamen. The naval engagement featured the Mongols employing fire ships and superior maneuvers against the ill-prepared Song fleet. The collapse of the Song resistance at Yamen effectively ended nearly three centuries of southern Chinese dynastic rule. Emperor Huaizong and remaining court officials perished at sea, marking a tragic close to the dynasty. The Mongol victory allowed the complete unification of China under the Yuan dynasty. This pivotal battle reshaped the political landscape of East Asia. It also demonstrated the Mongols' naval adaptability following their earlier reliance on land campaigns. Yamen remains a symbol of the Song dynasty's final stand.
1279 Mongol Battle of Yamen Song dynasty
1284day.year

The Statute of Rhuddlan incorporates the Principality of Wales into England.

The Statute of Rhuddlan in 1284 annexed Wales to the Kingdom of England under King Edward I.
In 1284, King Edward I of England enacted the Statute of Rhuddlan to formalize his authority over the conquered Principality of Wales. The statute abolished the native Welsh legal system and introduced English administrative practices. It divided Wales into new shires, governed by royal officials known as sheriffs. English common law was extended to Welsh territories, while certain Welsh customs were tolerated in local courts. The Act followed Edward's military campaigns of 1277 and 1282–83. It marked the beginning of direct English rule and the decline of the native Welsh princes. The Statute of Rhuddlan laid the groundwork for Wales' incorporation into the English polity for centuries to come.
1284 Statute of Rhuddlan Principality of Wales
1452day.year

Frederick III of Habsburg is the last Holy Roman Emperor crowned by medieval tradition in Rome by Pope Nicholas V.

In 1452, Frederick III became the last Holy Roman Emperor crowned in Rome by Pope Nicholas V under medieval tradition.
Frederick III of Habsburg traveled to Rome in 1452 to receive his imperial crown from Pope Nicholas V under long-standing medieval tradition. His coronation was the last time a Holy Roman Emperor was crowned in Rome by a pontiff. The ceremony underscored the religious and political bond between the papacy and the imperial office. Frederick's journey reflected his desire to assert legitimacy and authority over fractious German princes. Afterward, later emperors ceased traveling to Rome, favoring elections closer to their power base. This event thus marked the end of a centuries-old ritual.
1452 Frederick III of Habsburg Holy Roman Emperor Nicholas V
1563day.year

The Edict of Amboise is signed, ending the first phase of the French Wars of Religion and granting certain freedoms to the Huguenots.

The 1563 Edict of Amboise ended the first phase of France's Wars of Religion, granting limited rights to Huguenots.
The 1563 Edict of Amboise, signed under Charles IX of France, brought an end to the first war of the French Wars of Religion. Brokered by Catherine de' Medici, the edict granted limited toleration to Huguenots in certain territories. It allowed Protestant worship in the suburbs of one town per baillage and exempted them from capital punishments. In return, Huguenot nobles pledged to keep the peace and support the crown. The compromise reflected the monarchy's struggle to balance social order with religious conflict. Although it provided temporary relief, tensions reignited in later phases of the wars. The Edict of Amboise is remembered as an early effort at religious reconciliation in France.
1563 Edict of Amboise French Wars of Religion Huguenots
1649day.year

The House of Commons of England passes an act abolishing the House of Lords, declaring it "useless and dangerous to the people of England".

In 1649, England's House of Commons passed an act to abolish the House of Lords, labeling it "useless and dangerous".
In March 1649, England's revolutionary Rump Parliament passed an act to abolish the House of Lords. The measure declared the upper chamber useless and dangerous to the people of England. It followed the execution of King Charles I and the rise of the Commonwealth under Oliver Cromwell. Parliamentarians believed unicameral government would prevent aristocratic obstruction and safeguard popular rights. The abolition stood as a radical restructuring of English governance. However, it proved short-lived when the monarchy and Lords were restored in 1660. The episode exemplifies the political experimentation of the Interregnum era.
1649 House of Commons of England act House of Lords
1687day.year

Explorer Robert Cavelier de La Salle, searching for the mouth of the Mississippi River, is murdered by his own men.

In 1687, French explorer Robert Cavelier de La Salle was killed by his own men during his search for the Mississippi River's mouth.
While exploring the Mississippi River basin in 1687, French explorer Robert Cavelier de La Salle was killed by mutinous members of his own expedition. The party, suffering from harsh conditions and dwindling supplies, grew distrustful of their leader. La Salle had embarked on the journey to locate the great river's mouth for France's colonial ambitions. His death occurred near present-day Texas in a bitter dispute over direction and leadership. The violent end dashed hopes for further exploration under La Salle's command. Despite the tragic outcome, his earlier voyages had mapped vast expanses of North America for future settlers.
1687 Robert Cavelier de La Salle Mississippi River
1808day.year

Charles IV, king of Spain, abdicates after riots and a popular revolt at the winter palace Aranjuez. His son, Ferdinand VII, takes the throne.

King Charles IV of Spain abdicated amid popular revolt during the Mutiny of Aranjuez in 1808, installing his son Ferdinand VII as king.
In March 1808, mounting public outrage over King Charles IV's governance erupted into the Mutiny of Aranjuez. Rioters stormed the royal palace at Aranjuez demanding the dismissal of the unpopular prime minister, Manuel Godoy. Facing pressure, Charles IV abdicated in favor of his son, who became Ferdinand VII of Spain. The abdication reshaped Spanish politics on the eve of the Napoleonic Wars. It weakened royal authority and invited French intervention under Napoleon. The upheaval foreshadowed the brutal Peninsular War that would engulf the nation. Ferdinand's reign began amid turmoil, setting the stage for decades of conflict.
1808 Charles IV Aranjuez Ferdinand VII
1812day.year

The Cortes of Cádiz promulgates the Spanish Constitution of 1812.

The Cortes of Cádiz adopted the liberal Spanish Constitution of 1812, known as La Pepa, marking a major step in constitutionalism.
On March 19, 1812, the Cortes of Cádiz promulgated the Spanish Constitution of 1812, widely known as La Pepa. Written during the Peninsular War against Napoleonic France, it embodied liberal ideals of the Enlightenment. The document established principles like national sovereignty, separation of powers, and universal male suffrage. It curtailed royal prerogatives and affirmed freedoms of the press and association. Though its implementation was interrupted by Ferdinand VII's return, it inspired constitutional movements across Spain and Latin America. La Pepa represented a bold experiment in constitutional monarchy. Its legacy endured in later Spanish charters and liberal reforms.
1812 Cortes of Cádiz Spanish Constitution of 1812
1824day.year

American explorer Benjamin Morrell departed Antarctica after a voyage later plagued by claims of fraud.

In 1824, explorer Benjamin Morrell departed Antarctica after a voyage later questioned due to alleged false claims.
American sealer and explorer Benjamin Morrell concluded his 1824 Antarctic voyage amid controversy over his published claims. He sailed into largely uncharted southern waters, aiming to map Antarctic coasts. His subsequent book described sensational discoveries, including new islands and extensive ice fields. However, later navigators failed to corroborate many of Morrell's assertions. Critics accused him of exaggerating distances and fabricating sightings. Despite the disputes, his narrative captivated public interest in polar exploration. Morrell's controversial legacy underscores the difficulties of verifying early Antarctic voyages.
1824 Benjamin Morrell Antarctica
1831day.year

First documented bank heist in U.S. history, when burglars stole $245,000 (1831 values) from the City Bank (now Citibank) on Wall Street. Most of the money was recovered.

In 1831, the first documented bank robbery in the U.S. took place at City Bank on Wall Street, with $245,000 stolen. Most of the money was recovered.
On March 19, 1831, a group of burglars carried out the first recorded bank heist in U.S. history. They broke into the City Bank building on Wall Street and stole $245,000 in cash and securities. At the time, this sum represented a colossal fortune and sent shockwaves through New York’s financial district. Authorities launched a massive investigation and managed to recover most of the stolen funds. The incident prompted banks to reinforce vault security and ushered in new law enforcement practices. This daring theft remains a landmark in American criminal history.
1831 First documented bank heist in U.S. history Citibank
1865day.year

American Civil War: The Battle of Bentonville begins. By the end of the battle two days later, Confederate forces had retreated from Four Oaks, North Carolina.

The Battle of Bentonville, one of the last major engagements of the American Civil War, began in North Carolina. Confederate troops retreated from Four Oaks after two days of fighting.
On March 19, 1865, Union and Confederate forces clashed at Bentonville, North Carolina, in what would become one of the final large-scale battles of the Civil War. General William T. Sherman led Union troops against General Joseph E. Johnston’s Confederates in a bid to crush remaining resistance. Over three days of intense combat, both sides fought fiercely near the village of Bentonville. Despite strong Confederate defenses, Union forces gradually advanced and forced Johnston’s army to fall back. By March 21, Confederate troops had retreated from Four Oaks, marking a decisive Union victory in the Carolinas. This battle underscored the waning strength of the Confederacy and hastened the conflict’s end.
1865 American Civil War Battle of Bentonville Four Oaks, North Carolina