1256day.year
The Augustinian monastic order is constituted at the Lecceto Monastery when Pope Alexander IV issues a papal bull Licet ecclesiae catholicae.
Pope Alexander IV issues the papal bull Licet ecclesiae catholicae, founding the Augustinian monastic order at Lecceto Monastery in 1256.
In 1256, Pope Alexander IV issued the papal bull Licet ecclesiae catholicae at the Lecceto Monastery in Tuscany. This decree formally united various hermits and religious communities under the Rule of St. Augustine, marking the official establishment of the Augustinian monastic order. The new order blended scholarly study with pastoral ministry, emphasizing communal living and theological inquiry. Over the following centuries, Augustinian friars became influential in education, philosophy, and missionary work across Europe. The foundation at Lecceto served as a model for subsequent houses, showcasing the order’s commitment to spiritual discipline and intellectual pursuit. This event shaped the religious and academic landscape of the medieval and early modern Church.
1256
Augustinian
monastic order
Lecceto Monastery
Pope Alexander IV
papal bull
1415day.year
Religious reformer John Wycliffe is condemned as a heretic at the Council of Constance.
At the Council of Constance in 1415, theologian John Wycliffe is officially condemned as a heretic for his calls to reform the Church.
In 1415, during the Council of Constance, English theologian and reformer John Wycliffe was condemned as a heretic for his criticisms of Church wealth and calls for vernacular scripture. Wycliffe had challenged the authority of the papacy and the Church’s temporal power, advocating for direct access to the Bible for all believers. His teachings inspired the Lollard movement, which spread his reformist ideas across England. The condemnation formalized the Church’s rejection of his doctrines but did not extinguish his influence. Wycliffe’s intellectual legacy later paved the way for the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century. His trial at Constance remains a landmark in the history of religious dissent and reform.
1415
John Wycliffe
heretic
Council of Constance
1436day.year
Assassination of the Swedish rebel (later national hero) Engelbrekt Engelbrektsson (27 April O.S.).
Swedish rebel leader Engelbrekt Engelbrektsson is assassinated in 1436, abruptly ending a popular uprising against royal authority.
In 1436, Engelbrekt Engelbrektsson, the renowned leader of a Swedish uprising against King Eric of Pomerania, was betrayed and assassinated while traveling to meet nobles. A former mine owner turned political agitator, Engelbrekt had become a symbol of Swedish resistance and national pride. His revolt had challenged foreign rule and sought reforms in taxation and governance. His death sparked outrage among supporters and led to further unrest in the kingdom. Although the rebellion faltered without his leadership, Engelbrekt’s legacy endured as a folk hero and rallying point for Swedish autonomy. His assassination is remembered as a pivotal moment in the struggle for Swedish self-determination.
1436
Engelbrekt Engelbrektsson
O.S.
1471day.year
Wars of the Roses: The Battle of Tewkesbury: Edward IV defeats a Lancastrian Army and kills Edward of Westminster, Prince of Wales.
At the Battle of Tewkesbury in 1471, Edward IV secures a decisive Yorkist victory and ends the Lancastrian line by slaying the Prince of Wales.
Fought on May 4, 1471, the Battle of Tewkesbury was a crucial engagement in the Wars of the Roses between the Yorkists under King Edward IV and the Lancastrians loyal to Queen Margaret of Anjou. Edward IV’s forces executed a well-timed flank attack that overwhelmed the Lancastrian camp, securing a swift victory. During the battle, Edward of Westminster, the only son of Henry VI and Margaret of Anjou, was killed, extinguishing the Lancastrian heir. The defeat shattered Lancastrian resistance and led to the capture of Queen Margaret. Edward IV’s triumph at Tewkesbury consolidated Yorkist control of the throne and ushered in a period of stability under the House of York. The battle is often cited as one of the bloodiest and most decisive in the conflict’s history.
1471
Wars of the Roses
Battle of Tewkesbury
Edward IV
Lancastrian
Edward of Westminster, Prince of Wales
1493day.year
In the papal bull Inter caetera, Pope Alexander VI divides the New World between Spain and Portugal along the Line of Demarcation.
Pope Alexander VI issues the papal bull Inter caetera in 1493, drawing a Line of Demarcation to divide the New World between Spain and Portugal.
In 1493, Pope Alexander VI issued the papal bull Inter caetera to arbitrate competing claims by Spain and Portugal over newly discovered lands in the Americas. The decree drew an imaginary Line of Demarcation 100 leagues west of the Azores, granting all lands to the west to Spain and those to the east to Portugal. This division aimed to resolve disputes following Columbus’s voyages but left many indigenous peoples’ rights unaddressed. The bull formed the basis for the later Treaty of Tordesillas in 1494, which adjusted the demarcation line further west. Inter caetera had far-reaching consequences for the colonial ambitions of European powers and shaped the geopolitical landscape of the Americas. It remains a landmark moment in the history of colonialism and international diplomacy.
1493
papal bull
Inter caetera
Pope Alexander VI
New World
Line of Demarcation
1626day.year
Dutch explorer Peter Minuit arrives in New Netherland (present day Manhattan Island) aboard the See Meeuw.
Dutch explorer Peter Minuit arrives in New Netherland aboard the See Meeuw in 1626, embarking on the development of Manhattan Island.
On May 4, 1626, Dutch colonial director Peter Minuit landed at what is now Manhattan Island aboard the ship See Meeuw. Tasked with overseeing the fledgling New Netherland colony, Minuit negotiated with local Lenape leaders to secure land for a settlement. His administration established Fort Amsterdam and laid the foundations for the trading post that would become New Amsterdam. Under his leadership, the colony saw the introduction of Dutch civic institutions and trade networks. Minuit’s reputed purchase of Manhattan for goods valued at 60 guilders became a legendary moment in American folklore. This arrival marked a key step in European colonization of the region that would evolve into modern New York City.
1626
Peter Minuit
New Netherland
Manhattan Island
1738day.year
The Imperial Theatrical School, the first ballet school in Russia, is founded.
The Imperial Theatrical School, Russia’s first ballet academy, is founded in 1738, initiating the country’s celebrated dance tradition.
In 1738, the Imperial Theatrical School was established in St. Petersburg by imperial decree, creating Russia’s first formal institution for ballet training. The school aimed to cultivate native talent and reduce reliance on foreign dance masters. With instruction in both technique and theatrical presentation, it laid the groundwork for what would become the Mariinsky and Bolshoi companies. Over time, graduates of the school would transform Russian ballet into a world-renowned art form. The institution played a central role in the evolution of Russian cultural identity and its global artistic influence. Its founding marks the beginning of a golden era in ballet that continues to this day.
1738
Imperial Theatrical School
1776day.year
Rhode Island becomes the first American colony to renounce allegiance to King George III.
Rhode Island becomes the first American colony to renounce allegiance to King George III on May 4, 1776.
On May 4, 1776, the colony of Rhode Island formally declared its independence from Great Britain, ahead of the Continental Congress’s declaration later that year. Settlers cited grievances over taxation without representation and British interference in colonial affairs. This bold move made Rhode Island a pioneer among the colonies in rejecting monarchical rule. The declaration reflected growing revolutionary sentiment and inspired other colonies to take similar actions. Rhode Island’s early break with Britain underscored the resolve for self-governance that fueled the American Revolution. The event is commemorated as a key step toward the founding of the United States.
1776
Rhode Island
George III
1799day.year
Fourth Anglo-Mysore War: The Battle of Seringapatam: The siege of Seringapatam ends when the city is invaded and Tipu Sultan killed by the besieging British army, under the command of General George Harris.
The British army captures Seringapatam in 1799, leading to the death of Tipu Sultan and the end of the Fourth Anglo-Mysore War.
During the Fourth Anglo-Mysore War, British forces under General George Harris besieged the fortress of Seringapatam on May 4, 1799. The city fell after intense fighting and a bold assault that breached its walls. Tipu Sultan, the ruler of Mysore and adversary of British expansion, was killed in the final defense of his capital. His death marked the collapse of Mysorean resistance and enabled the British East India Company to assert control over southern India. The fall of Seringapatam reshaped the region’s political landscape and paved the way for British dominance. The battle remains a significant episode in colonial military history.
1799
Fourth Anglo-Mysore War
Battle of Seringapatam
Seringapatam
Tipu Sultan
General George Harris
1814day.year
Emperor Napoleon arrives at Portoferraio on the island of Elba to begin his exile.
Napoleon Bonaparte arrives at Portoferraio on Elba to commence his exile following his abdication in 1814.
On May 4, 1814, Napoleon Bonaparte landed at Portoferraio on the island of Elba under terms of the Treaty of Fontainebleau. Exiled far from France, he was granted sovereignty over Elba but under close Allied supervision. Despite the island’s small size, he quickly organized its administration, introduced reforms, and improved infrastructure. His stay on Elba lasted less than a year, but he used the time to maintain contact with supporters. In February 1815, he escaped and returned to France, sparking the Hundred Days campaign. Napoleon’s exile to Elba remains a dramatic episode in his storied life and the Napoleonic Wars.
1814
Napoleon
Portoferraio
Elba
1814day.year
King Ferdinand VII abolishes the Spanish Constitution of 1812, returning Spain to absolutism.
On May 4, 1814, King Ferdinand VII nullified the Spanish Constitution of 1812 and restored absolute monarchy, ending a brief experiment in liberal government.
The Spanish Constitution of 1812 was adopted by the Cortes of Cádiz during the Peninsular War, championing liberal and constitutional monarchy principles. On May 4, 1814, King Ferdinand VII abolished this constitution upon his restoration to the throne, rejecting its reforms. The abolition marked a decisive turn back to absolutism, dissolving representative bodies and revoking civil rights established under the 1812 charter. This reversal unsettled intellectuals and reformists who had gained political influence during the French occupation. It ignited dissent among liberal factions, setting the stage for future constitutional struggles and civil conflicts in Spain. The event remains a pivotal moment in Spanish history, highlighting the contest between absolutism and liberalism.
Spanish Constitution of 1812
absolutism
1836day.year
Formation of Ancient Order of Hibernians.
On May 4, 1836, in New York City, the Ancient Order of Hibernians was founded as a fraternal organization to support Irish immigrants in America.
The Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) emerged amidst waves of Irish immigration and anti-Catholic sentiment in the United States. Founded on May 4, 1836, the AOH aimed to protect Irish Catholic interests, provide mutual aid, and preserve cultural traditions. Membership offered social support, financial assistance, and a network of solidarity for new arrivals facing discrimination. The organization played a key role in community building and advocacy, sponsoring parades, charitable efforts, and educational initiatives. Over time, the AOH expanded across the country and into Ireland, influencing the development of other Irish-American societies. Its establishment marks a significant moment in the history of immigrant community organization and ethnic solidarity.
1836
Ancient Order of Hibernians