753 BC
Romulus founds Rome (traditional date).
Legend holds that Romulus founded Rome on the Palatine Hill on this traditional date, marking the beginning of a civilization that would shape the ancient world.
According to Roman mythology, twins Romulus and Remus were abandoned and nurtured by a she-wolf near the Tiber River.
Romulus later killed his brother in a dispute and founded the new city on the Palatine Hill.
On April 21, 753 BC (traditional date), he officially established Rome's first settlement.
This legendary event symbolizes the origins of Roman governance, culture, and law.
Over centuries, Rome expanded from humble beginnings into one of history's greatest empires.
The founding was later celebrated annually with the festival of Parilia, honoring rural life and community.
753 BC
Romulus
Rome
traditional date
900day.year
The Laguna Copperplate Inscription (the earliest known written document found in what is now the Philippines): the Commander-in-Chief of the Kingdom of Tondo, as represented by the Honourable Jayadewa, Lord Minister of Pailah, pardons from all debt the Honourable Namwaran and his relations.
The Laguna Copperplate Inscription from 900 AD is the earliest known written document from the Philippines, recording the pardon of debts for a noble family.
The Laguna Copperplate Inscription, carved on a thin copper plate, was unearthed near the Lumban River in the Philippines.
Dated April 21, 900 AD and written in the ancient Kawi script, it is the oldest known written artifact in the region.
The text records the debt pardon of Namwaran and his relatives by Commander-in-Chief Jayadewa of Pailah in the Kingdom of Tondo.
Its multilingual text includes Old Malay, Sanskrit, and Old Javanese terms.
The document provides invaluable insights into early Southeast Asian political and social structures.
It reshapes our understanding of literacy, trade, and governance in pre-colonial Philippines.
900
Laguna Copperplate Inscription
Philippines
Kingdom of Tondo
Pailah
1092day.year
The Diocese of Pisa is elevated to the rank of metropolitan archdiocese by Pope Urban II
Pope Urban II elevates the Diocese of Pisa to a metropolitan archdiocese, enhancing its ecclesiastical authority in 1092.
In a papal decree issued on April 21, 1092, Pope Urban II elevated the Diocese of Pisa to metropolitan archdiocese status.
This promotion granted the archbishop of Pisa authority over several suffragan dioceses in the region.
The decision reflected the growing political and economic importance of Pisa in medieval Italy.
As an archdiocese, Pisa gained the right to convene provincial synods and oversee ecclesiastical discipline.
The elevation also strengthened Pisa's role in the wider Gregorian Reform movement led by Urban II.
It marked a key moment in the city's religious and administrative history.
1092
Diocese of Pisa
archdiocese
Pope Urban II
1509day.year
Henry VIII ascends the throne of England on the death of his father, Henry VII.
Following the death of Henry VII, his son Henry VIII is crowned King of England, beginning a new Tudor reign.
On April 21, 1509, Henry VIII succeeded his father, Henry VII, as King of England at the age of 17.
His accession was met with widespread celebration and hope for economic and dynastic stability.
Shortly after taking the throne, Henry VIII married his brother's widow, Catherine of Aragon.
He would later become known for his role in the English Reformation and the establishment of the Church of England.
Henry's ambitious foreign policy and lavish court set the tone for a dynamic Tudor era.
His 38-year reign left a lasting impact on English politics, religion, and culture.
1509
Henry VIII
Henry VII
1782day.year
The city of Rattanakosin, now known internationally as Bangkok, is founded on the eastern bank of the Chao Phraya River by King Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke.
King Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke establishes the city of Rattanakosin (modern Bangkok) as the new Siamese capital in 1782.
On April 21, 1782, King Rama I (Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke) founded the city of Rattanakosin on the east bank of the Chao Phraya River.
The new capital featured fortified walls and a network of canals for defense and transport.
It became the seat of the Chakri dynasty, which continues to reign in Thailand today.
The city layout combined traditional Thai architecture with influences from Chinese and European designs.
Rattanakosin's establishment marked a cultural renaissance and political consolidation.
The city was later renamed Bangkok and remains Thailand's vibrant capital.
1782
Bangkok
founded
Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke
1789day.year
John Adams sworn in as first US Vice President (nine days before George Washington).
John Adams is sworn in as the first Vice President of the United States, serving under President George Washington.
On April 21, 1789, John Adams took the oath of office as the first Vice President of the United States.
His inauguration occurred nine days before George Washington was sworn in as President.
The Vice President's primary role was to preside over the Senate and cast tie-breaking votes.
Adams's tenure helped define the responsibilities of the newly created executive office.
He served under Washington during the formative years of the American republic.
Adams later succeeded Washington as the nation's second President.
1789
John Adams
US Vice President
1789day.year
George Washington's reception at Trenton is hosted by the Ladies of Trenton as he journeys to New York City for his first inauguration.
A welcoming reception is held for George Washington in Trenton as he travels to New York City for his first presidential inauguration, reflecting broad support for the new republic.
On April 21, 1789, as George Washington journeyed from Mount Vernon to New York City for his inauguration as the first President of the United States, he was greeted with great enthusiasm in Trenton, New Jersey. The Ladies of Trenton organized a formal reception, adorning the streets with banners and cheering citizens. This event symbolized the widespread support and optimism for the newly established federal government under the Constitution. Washington’s reception in Trenton became one of the earliest public celebrations of presidential authority and set a precedent for future inaugural journeys. The gathering underscored the unity of diverse communities in the young nation and foreshadowed the ceremonious traditions of American inaugural processions.
George Washington's reception at Trenton
first inauguration
1792day.year
Tiradentes, a revolutionary leading a movement for Brazil's independence, is hanged, drawn and quartered.
Tiradentes, a leader of Brazil's independence movement, is executed by hanging, drawing, and quartering, becoming a martyr for Brazilian liberty.
On April 21, 1792, Joaquim José da Silva Xavier, known as Tiradentes, was brutally executed in Rio de Janeiro for leading an early conspiracy seeking Brazilian independence from Portuguese rule. He was hanged, drawn, and quartered, and his body parts were displayed as a warning to other rebels. Tiradentes had championed ideals of freedom and equality and organized the Inconfidência Mineira uprising in Minas Gerais the year before. His martyrdom resonated deeply with the Brazilian people, transforming him into a national symbol of resistance. In later centuries, April 21 was chosen as Brazil's national holiday in his honor, underlining his enduring legacy in the nation's history.
1792
Tiradentes
revolutionary
Brazil's independence
hanged, drawn and quartered
1821day.year
Benderli Ali Pasha arrives in Constantinople as the new Grand Vizier of the Ottoman Empire; he remains in power for only nine days before being sent into exile.
Benderli Ali Pasha assumes office as the Ottoman Empire's Grand Vizier in Constantinople but is exiled just nine days later amid court intrigues.
On April 21, 1821, Benderli Ali Pasha was appointed Grand Vizier by Sultan Mahmud II, arriving in Constantinople to lead the Ottoman administration. His tenure coincided with widespread unrest, including the outbreak of the Greek War of Independence in the empire’s European territories. Despite his high office, Ali Pasha quickly fell out of favor amid palace intrigues and accusations of mismanagement. After only nine tumultuous days, he was dismissed and sent into remote exile, a swift reminder of the volatile nature of Ottoman court politics. This episode underscored the fragility of power under Sultan Mahmud II and foreshadowed the extensive reforms that would reshape the empire in the following decades.
1821
Benderli Ali Pasha
Grand Vizier of the Ottoman Empire
1948day.year
United Nations Security Council Resolution 47 relating to Kashmir conflict is adopted.
On April 21, 1948, the UN Security Council adopted Resolution 47, calling for a ceasefire and plebiscite to resolve the Kashmir conflict.
Following India's partition and subsequent fighting over Kashmir, the UN Security Council intervened to quell violence.
Resolution 47, passed on April 21, 1948, urged Pakistan to withdraw troops and India to reduce forces to facilitate a truce.
It also proposed a plebiscite to determine Kashmir's future status, reflecting the principles of self-determination.
Despite initial compliance, disagreements over demilitarization stalled implementation, leaving the dispute unresolved.
Resolution 47 established a UN Commission and laid the groundwork for ongoing diplomatic engagement.
The resolution remains a foundational document in the enduring India-Pakistan Kashmir issue.
1948
United Nations Security Council Resolution 47
Kashmir conflict
1960day.year
Brasília, Brazil's capital, is officially inaugurated. At 09:30, the Three Powers of the Republic are simultaneously transferred from the old capital, Rio de Janeiro.
The futuristic city of Brasília officially becomes Brazil's capital on April 21, 1960, shifting governance from Rio de Janeiro.
On April 21, 1960, the city of Brasília was formally inaugurated as the capital of Brazil in a grand ceremony. President Juscelino Kubitschek oversaw the simultaneous transfer of the Three Powers of the Republic — executive, legislative, and judiciary — from Rio de Janeiro at 09:30. Designed by urban planner Lúcio Costa and architect Oscar Niemeyer, Brasília showcased modernist architecture and innovative city planning. Its construction aimed to promote national integration and accelerate development of the country's interior. The inauguration symbolized a bold vision for progress and economic growth. Today, Brasília remains a UNESCO World Heritage site and an enduring example of 20th-century urban design.
1960
Brasília
Rio de Janeiro
1963day.year
The first election of the Universal House of Justice is held, marking its establishment as the supreme governing institution of the Baháʼí Faith.
The Universal House of Justice is established on April 21, 1963, as the supreme governing body of the Baháʼí Faith.
On April 21, 1963, delegates of the Baháʼí community gathered to elect the first Universal House of Justice at the Shrine of the Báb in Haifa. This election marked the formation of the supreme governing institution of the Baháʼí Faith, entrusted with guiding the global community. The process, conducted without campaigning, reflected principles of unity, consensus, and service. Members representing diverse nationalities cast votes in a spiritually charged atmosphere. The House of Justice assumes responsibility for legislation on community affairs and promotes the teachings of Baháʼu'lláh. Its establishment fulfilled a key provision in the religion's founding scriptures.
1963
Universal House of Justice
Baháʼí Faith