April 10

Events

428day.year

Nestorius becomes the Patriarch of Constantinople.

In 428, Nestorius becomes the Patriarch of Constantinople, sparking a major theological controversy in the early Christian church.
In 428 AD, Nestorius is appointed as the Patriarch of Constantinople by Emperor Theodosius II. His teachings on the nature of Christ soon provoke intense debate known as Nestorianism. Conflict arises between Nestorius and Cyril of Alexandria over Christological doctrine. This dispute leads to the Council of Ephesus in 431, where Nestorius is condemned and exiled. The controversy significantly shapes the development of early Christian theology and church politics.
428 Nestorius Patriarch of Constantinople
837day.year

Halley's Comet makes its closest approach to Earth at a distance equal to 0.0342 AU (5.1 million kilometres/3.2 million miles).

In 837, Halley's Comet makes its closest recorded approach to Earth at 0.0342 AU (about 5.1 million km), offering a spectacular sight for early astronomers.
In April 837, Halley's Comet reaches its nearest point to Earth at a distance of 0.0342 astronomical units. This passage provides one of the earliest recorded observations of the comet’s orbit. Astronomers of the time document its bright tail and trajectory across the sky. The event contributes to the understanding of cometary motion long before telescopes. Halley’s periodic return patterns help shape future astronomical studies and celestial mechanics.
837 Halley's Comet AU
1407day.year

Deshin Shekpa, 5th Karmapa Lama visits the Ming dynasty capital at Nanjing and is awarded the title "Great Treasure Prince of Dharma".

In 1407, Deshin Shekpa, the 5th Karmapa Lama of Tibet, visits Nanjing and is bestowed the title 'Great Treasure Prince of Dharma' by the Ming emperor.
In 1407, Deshin Shekpa arrives in the Ming dynasty’s capital at Nanjing as a spiritual envoy. The Yongle Emperor honors him with the title 'Great Treasure Prince of Dharma,' recognizing his religious stature. This visit strengthens ties between Tibetan Buddhism and the Ming court. It marks a significant moment of diplomatic and cultural exchange in East Asia. The imperial recognition elevates the Karmapa lineage and influences Sino-Tibetan relations for decades.
1407 Deshin Shekpa, 5th Karmapa Lama Ming dynasty Nanjing
1500day.year

Ludovico Sforza is captured by Swiss troops at Novara and is handed over to the French.

In 1500, Ludovico Sforza, Duke of Milan, is captured by Swiss forces at Novara and handed over to the French, reshaping Italian power dynamics.
On April 10, 1500, Swiss mercenaries capture Ludovico Sforza during the Battle of Novara. He is subsequently delivered to King Louis XII of France as a prisoner. Sforza’s fall ends the Sforza family’s rule over Milan during the Italian Wars. The event shifts the balance of power in Northern Italy toward French influence. Ludovico spends his remaining years in French captivity, his legacy overshadowed by this defeat.
1500 Ludovico Sforza Novara
1545day.year

The settlement of Villa Imperial de Carlos V (now the city of Potosí) in Bolivia is founded after the discovery of huge silver deposits in the area.

In 1545, Villa Imperial de Carlos V (modern-day Potosí) in Bolivia is founded after massive silver deposits are discovered, fueling the Spanish Empire’s wealth.
Following the 1545 discovery of vast silver veins, the Spanish crown establishes Villa Imperial de Carlos V. The city quickly grows around Cerro Rico, the 'Rich Mountain,' which becomes a major silver source. The wealth extracted from Potosí profoundly impacts the Spanish economy and global trade. Indigenous labor and African slaves work under harsh conditions in the mines. By the late 16th century, Potosí rivals Paris in population, underscoring its economic importance.
1545 Potosí Bolivia huge silver deposits
1606day.year

The Virginia Company of London is established by royal charter by James I of England with the purpose of establishing colonial settlements in North America.

In 1606, King James I grants a royal charter to the Virginia Company of London to establish English settlements in North America.
On April 10, 1606, the Virginia Company of London receives a charter to colonize the eastern coast of North America. This joint-stock company model attracts investors keen on New World opportunities. Its first settlement, Jamestown, follows three years later as England’s foothold in the continent. The company aims to profit from resources like tobacco and precious minerals. Its governance framework lays the groundwork for future colonial administration and expansion.
1606 Virginia Company of London James I of England colonial settlements in North America
1710day.year

The Statute of Anne, the first law regulating copyright, comes into force in Great Britain.

On April 10, 1710, the Statute of Anne, the world’s first modern copyright law, comes into force in Great Britain.
The Statute of Anne enacts the first legislation granting authors exclusive rights over their published works. It limits book monopolies previously held by the Stationers’ Company. Authors receive protection for a 14-year term, with possible renewal for another 14 years. The act balances creators’ rights with public access by eventually allowing works to enter the public domain. Its principles influence copyright laws in Europe and North America for centuries.
1710 Statute of Anne copyright Great Britain
1717day.year

Robert Walpole resigns from the British government, commencing the Whig Split which lasts until 1720.

In 1717, Robert Walpole resigns from the British government, triggering the Whig Split and altering party politics.
Robert Walpole, a leading Whig statesman, steps down amid factional disputes in 1717. His resignation divides the Whig party into 'Court Whigs' and 'Country Whigs.' The Whig Split persists until 1720, weakening cohesive governance. During this period, rivalries over foreign policy and patronage intensify. These events set the stage for Walpole’s later return as Britain’s first de facto Prime Minister.
1717 Robert Walpole Whig Split
1724day.year

Bach leads the first performance of his cantata Erfreut euch, ihr Herzen, BWV 66, his first cantata composed for Easter in Leipzig.

In 1724, Johann Sebastian Bach premieres his Easter cantata 'Erfreut euch, ihr Herzen' (BWV 66) in Leipzig, showcasing his liturgical composition skills.
As Thomaskantor in Leipzig, Bach conducts the first performance of BWV 66 for Easter in 1724. The cantata blends jubilant choruses with intimate arias and biblical texts. It reflects Bach’s mastery of counterpoint and Baroque sacred music. The work enhances Leipzig’s rich musical tradition and liturgical ceremonies. Erfreut euch, ihr Herzen remains a highlight of Bach’s cantata repertoire.
1724 Bach Erfreut euch, ihr Herzen, BWV 66
1741day.year

War of the Austrian Succession: Prussia gains control of Silesia at the Battle of Mollwitz.

On April 10, 1741, during the War of the Austrian Succession, Prussian forces achieve a decisive victory at the Battle of Mollwitz, securing control of Silesia.
Frederick the Great leads Prussian forces against the Austrians near Mollwitz in Silesia. Despite initial setbacks, disciplined Prussian infantry ultimately prevail. The victory grants Prussia de facto control over the wealthy Silesian province. It establishes Frederick’s military reputation early in his reign. The outcome shapes Central European geopolitics and intensifies the wider conflict.
1741 War of the Austrian Succession Silesia Battle of Mollwitz
1809day.year

Napoleonic Wars: The War of the Fifth Coalition begins when forces of the Austrian Empire invade Bavaria.

In 1809, during the Napoleonic Wars, the War of the Fifth Coalition began as Austrian forces invaded Bavaria.
In the spring of 1809, tensions in Europe reached a boiling point. On April 10, forces of the Austrian Empire crossed into Bavaria, a key ally of Napoleonic France. This marked the start of the War of the Fifth Coalition. The Austrian leadership sought to reverse French dominance and rally other European powers to its cause. Napoleonic troops quickly mobilized to defend Bavarian territory and counterattack into Austrian lands. The conflict featured large-scale engagements in Central Europe, including famous battles such as Aspern-Essling and Wagram. While the Austrians initially surprised the French, Napoleon's tactical brilliance eventually secured victory. The war further solidified Napoleon's grip on continental Europe but at a great cost in lives and resources. The campaign reshaped alliances and set the stage for future confrontations.
1809 Napoleonic Wars War of the Fifth Coalition Austrian Empire Bavaria
1815day.year

The Mount Tambora volcano begins a three-month-long eruption, lasting until July 15. The eruption ultimately kills 71,000 people and affects Earth's climate for the next two years.

In 1815, Mount Tambora erupted in one of the most powerful volcanic events in recorded history, killing tens of thousands and altering global climate.
Starting on April 10, 1815, Mount Tambora on the island of Sumbawa in Indonesia unleashed a massive eruption. For three months, ash and volcanic gases filled the atmosphere, producing vivid sunsets and darkened skies thousands of miles away. The explosion destroyed entire villages and caused the deaths of an estimated 71,000 people from pyroclastic flows, tsunamis, and famine. Volcanic ash led to crop failures and extreme weather patterns in Europe and North America, contributing to the Year Without a Summer in 1816. Food shortages and social unrest spread across multiple continents. Scientists later identified Tambora as a major climate forcing event, reducing global temperatures by 0.4–0.7 °C for years. The eruption remains one of the deadliest natural disasters in history and a key case study in volcanology and climate science.
1815 Mount Tambora July 15 affects Earth's climate