351day.year

The Jewish revolt against Constantius Gallus breaks out after his arrival at Antioch.

In 351, a Jewish revolt broke out against Constantius Gallus in Antioch, marking a significant conflict in the later Roman Empire.
In 351 AD, the Jewish population of Antioch revolted against Constantius Gallus upon his arrival. The uprising reflected deep-seated resentment over taxation and religious restrictions. Rebels seized parts of the city, challenging the young Caesar's authority. Imperial legions were dispatched to quell the disturbance, leading to violent clashes. Though eventually suppressed, the revolt exposed the fragility of imperial rule in the East. This event foreshadowed ongoing tensions between Roman administrators and provincial communities.
351 Jewish revolt against Constantius Gallus Antioch
558day.year

In Constantinople, the dome of the Hagia Sophia collapses, twenty years after its construction. Justinian I immediately orders that the dome be rebuilt.

In 558, the dome of Hagia Sophia in Constantinople catastrophically collapsed, leading Emperor Justinian I to order its immediate reconstruction.
In 558 AD, two decades after its completion, the massive dome of the Hagia Sophia in Constantinople unexpectedly collapsed during a heavy storm. Recognized as the architectural marvel of Byzantium, its failure shocked citizens and clergy alike. Emperor Justinian I witnessed the ruin of his grand church, a symbol of imperial glory and Orthodox Christianity. Without hesitation, he commissioned the renowned mathematician and architect Isidore the Younger to rebuild the dome. The swift reconstruction efforts implemented improved engineering techniques to prevent future collapse. By 562, the renewed dome soared above the city, reaffirming Justinian's commitment to divine and imperial majesty.
558 Constantinople dome Hagia Sophia Justinian I
1274day.year

In France, the Second Council of Lyon opens; it ratified a decree to regulate the election of the Pope.

The Second Council of Lyon convened in 1274, addressing church reforms and establishing new rules for papal elections.
In May 1274, Pope Gregory X convened the Second Council of Lyon, gathering over five hundred bishops and church officials. The council aimed to address church unity, administrative reform, and the looming threat of Mongol incursions. A landmark decree standardized procedures for papal elections, requiring a two-thirds majority of cardinals. This reform sought to curtail political interference and expedite the selection of future pontiffs. Delegates also debated measures to reconcile with the Eastern Orthodox Church and improve crusade logistics. The council's decisions had lasting impact on papal governance and inter-church relations.
1274 Second Council of Lyon Pope
1342day.year

In Avignon, France, Cardinal Pierre Roger is elected Pope and takes the name Clement VI.

In 1342, Cardinal Pierre Roger was chosen as Pope by the College of Cardinals, becoming Clement VI.
In May 1342, the papal conclave in Avignon elected Pierre Roger, a skilled diplomat and patron of the arts, as Pope. He took the name Clement VI, succeeding Benedict XII and continuing the papacy’s stay in France. Clement VI faced the challenges of the Black Death and rising tensions between European monarchs. Known for his extravagance, he transformed the papal court into a center of culture and learning. Under his leadership, the papacy commissioned major works, supported scholars, and expanded charitable foundations. Clement's tenure left an indelible mark on the Church’s spiritual and political influence during a time of crisis.
1342 Avignon elected Pope Clement VI
1487day.year

The Siege of Málaga commences during the Spanish Reconquista.

The Siege of Málaga began in 1487 as part of the final campaigns of the Spanish Reconquista against the Nasrid Kingdom of Granada.
In May 1487, Catholic Monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella launched a siege on the strategic port city of Málaga. The operation aimed to cut off Granada's coastal supply lines and accelerate the Reconquista. Spanish forces encircled the city, bombarding its medieval walls and disrupting water supplies. After months of hardship, the defenders capitulated, and Málaga fell in August of the same year. The victory paved the way for the conquest of Granada two years later, ending centuries of Muslim rule in Iberia. The siege demonstrated the effectiveness of gunpowder artillery in late medieval warfare.
1487 Siege of Málaga Reconquista
1544day.year

The Burning of Edinburgh by an English army is the first action of the Rough Wooing.

In 1544, English forces under the Earl of Hertford burned Edinburgh, marking the start of the Rough Wooing conflict with Scotland.
In May 1544, during the conflict known as the Rough Wooing, Thomas Seymour, Earl of Hertford, led English troops into Scotland. The army sacked and razed Edinburgh, including Holyrood Palace, inflicting widespread destruction. This punitive expedition sought to force a marriage alliance between Mary, Queen of Scots, and Edward VI. Civilians and clergy suffered heavy losses as churches and homes went up in flames. The devastation hardened Scottish resistance and deepened hostilities between the two kingdoms. The Burning of Edinburgh became a symbol of English aggression in Scottish memory.
1544 Burning of Edinburgh Rough Wooing
1625day.year

State funeral of James VI and I (1566–1625) is held at Westminster Abbey.

The elaborate state funeral of King James VI and I took place at Westminster Abbey in 1625, honoring the monarch of both Scotland and England.
In May 1625, Westminster Abbey witnessed the grand funeral of King James VI of Scotland and I of England. The procession featured ornate wagons, mourning attire, and eulogies celebrating his reign over two kingdoms. Royal heralds and clergymen delivered sermons extolling James's scholarly pursuits and religious policies. Coins were minted, and public mournings were observed across England and Scotland. The ceremony reflected both the solemnity of monarchical tradition and the personal legacy of a unifying sovereign. James's burial in the Henry VII Lady Chapel solidified his place among England's esteemed monarchs.
1625 State funeral James VI and I Westminster Abbey
1664day.year

Inaugural celebrations begin at Louis XIV of France's new Palace of Versailles.

In 1664, King Louis XIV commenced inaugural celebrations at the newly completed Palace of Versailles, marking the rise of French absolutism.
In May 1664, after extensive renovations, King Louis XIV hosted a lavish inauguration at the Palace of Versailles. The ceremony showcased opulent gardens, mirrored halls, and elaborate fountains designed by André Le Nôtre. Noble guests participated in dances, theatrical performances, and feasts under gilded ceilings. Versailles became the epicenter of French court life and a statement of royal power. Architect Jules Hardouin-Mansart's additions reinforced the palace's grandeur and Baroque splendor. The inaugural festivities set the stage for centuries of diplomatic gatherings and artistic patronage.
1664 Louis XIV of France Palace of Versailles
1685day.year

Battle of Vrtijeljka between rebels and Ottoman forces.

The Battle of Vrtijeljka occurred in 1685, pitting Balkan rebels against Ottoman troops in a fierce mountain engagement.
In May 1685, local insurgents in the Balkans rose up against Ottoman garrisons near Vrtijeljka Pass. The rebels hoped to capitalize on the Ottoman Empire's involvement in wider European conflicts. Clashes in rugged terrain tested the fighters' endurance and tactical skills. Despite initial rebel successes, Ottoman reinforcements ultimately overwhelmed the insurgents. The battle underscored the strategic importance of mountain strongholds in resisting imperial rule. While defeated, the rebels inspired subsequent uprisings against Ottoman authority.
1685 Battle of Vrtijeljka
1697day.year

Stockholm's royal castle (dating back to medieval times) is destroyed by fire. It is replaced in the 18th century by the current Royal Palace.

In 1697, a devastating fire destroyed the medieval Royal Castle of Stockholm, paving the way for a new Baroque palace.
In May 1697, a catastrophic blaze ignited in the medieval royal residence at Stockholm, Sweden. Flames raged for days, consuming wooden structures and priceless royal artifacts. The disaster forced King Charles XI to commission a modern replacement in the Baroque style. Survivors described the eerie glow visible across Lake Mälaren. Construction of the new Royal Palace began in 1698 under architect Nicodemus Tessin the Younger. The transformation marked Sweden's emergence as a European great power.
1697 Stockholm medieval Royal Palace
1718day.year

The city of New Orleans is founded by Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne, Sieur de Bienville.

Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne, Sieur de Bienville founded New Orleans in 1718, laying the foundations for one of America's most vibrant cultural centers.
In 1718, Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne, Sieur de Bienville, led French settlers to found New Orleans at a strategic site near the Mississippi River's mouth. The new city served as the capital of Louisiana and became a vital port for trade and military operations. Its location allowed control over river and gulf traffic, linking French colonies in North America. Over time, New Orleans evolved into a melting pot of French, Spanish, African, and Creole cultures. The unique blend of cuisines, music, and architecture emerged from this multicultural heritage. Despite natural challenges, the city grew into one of the most important cultural hubs in the United States, renowned for its vibrant traditions and historical significance.
1718 New Orleans Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne, Sieur de Bienville
1763day.year

Pontiac's War begins with Pontiac's attempt to seize Fort Detroit from the British.

Pontiac's War began in 1763 when the Ottawa leader Pontiac launched an attack on Fort Detroit, initiating widespread Native American resistance against British rule.
In 1763, following the British victory in the French and Indian War, dissatisfaction among Native American tribes over British policies sparked a unified uprising. Ottawa war chief Pontiac led a surprise attack on Fort Detroit on May 7, attempting to reclaim former French territories. Although the initial assault failed, the conflict spread across the Great Lakes region. This series of engagements, known as Pontiac's War, highlighted the fractures in British colonial administration and the determination of Indigenous peoples to defend their lands. The warfare prompted the British Crown to issue the Royal Proclamation of 1763, limiting colonial expansion beyond the Appalachians.
1763 Pontiac's War Pontiac seize Fort Detroit