May 10

Events

28 BC

A sunspot is observed by Han dynasty astronomers during the reign of Emperor Cheng of Han, one of the earliest dated sunspot observations in China.

In 28 BC, Han dynasty astronomers made one of the earliest recorded observations of a sunspot during Emperor Cheng's reign.
In 28 BC, court astronomers of China's Han dynasty recorded a dark spot on the sun, noting its size and duration. This observation took place under Emperor Cheng, reflecting the advanced state of Chinese astronomy. At a time when celestial phenomena were closely linked to omens and imperial legitimacy, detailed records were meticulously kept. The sighting is one of the earliest dated sunspot observations in history, offering modern scientists valuable data on solar activity. Han astronomers used simple instruments and naked-eye observations, showcasing their careful astronomical practices. These records contribute to long-term studies of solar variation and its impact on Earth's climate. Today, historians view this observation as a testament to early scientific inquiry in ancient China.
28 BC sunspot observed Han dynasty astronomers Emperor Cheng of Han
1291day.year

Scottish nobles recognize the authority of Edward I of England pending the selection of a king.

In 1291, Scottish nobles acknowledged Edward I of England as their feudal overlord while awaiting a new king.
Following the death of Margaret, Maid of Norway, in 1290, Scotland faced uncertainty over its next monarch. In May 1291, leading Scottish nobles agreed to recognize Edward I of England as their feudal overlord until a new king was chosen. This provisional submission was part of the 'Great Cause', during which Edward arbitrated competing claims to the Scottish throne. Though intended as a temporary measure, Edward's intervention laid the groundwork for English influence over Scotland. Many Scots later viewed this act as a catalyst for the Wars of Scottish Independence. The agreement highlights the complex feudal relationships of medieval Britain and the fragile nature of sovereign power. It remains a significant episode in the history of Anglo-Scottish relations.
1291 nobles Edward I of England
1294day.year

Temür, Khagan of the Mongols, is enthroned as Emperor of the Yuan dynasty.

In 1294, Temür Khagan was enthroned as Emperor of the Yuan dynasty, succeeding his grandfather Kublai Khan.
After the death of Kublai Khan in early 1294, his grandson Temür Khagan ascended the throne as the second Yuan emperor. His enthronement marked a smooth dynastic transition, preserving Mongol rule over China. Temür adopted the regnal name Chengzong and maintained the administrative policies established by his grandfather. He faced challenges balancing Mongol traditions with the existing Chinese bureaucratic system. During his reign, trade along the Silk Road continued to flourish under Pax Mongolica. Temür also promoted Buddhism and Confucian rituals at court. His relatively peaceful rule helped stabilize the vast empire before internal conflicts emerged later in the dynasty.
1294 Temür Khagan Mongols Yuan dynasty
1497day.year

Amerigo Vespucci allegedly leaves Cádiz for his first voyage to the New World.

In 1497, Amerigo Vespucci is said to have embarked from Cádiz on his first expedition to the New World.
According to some accounts, Italian navigator Amerigo Vespucci departed Cádiz in May 1497 to explore the lands newly encountered across the Atlantic. While the exact details and dates of this voyage remain debated by historians, Vespucci's letters later shaped European perceptions of the 'New World'. During the journey, he charted portions of the South American coastline and noted distinct geographic and cultural features. His reports described lush landscapes, unfamiliar peoples, and potential trade opportunities. These writings captured Europe's imagination and contributed to the continents being named in his honor. Vespucci's voyages challenged earlier beliefs that the lands were part of Asia. His experiences exemplified the era's spirit of discovery and maritime curiosity.
1497 Amerigo Vespucci Cádiz New World
1503day.year

Christopher Columbus visits the Cayman Islands and names them Las Tortugas after the numerous turtles there.

On his fourth voyage in 1503, Christopher Columbus encountered the Cayman Islands and named them Las Tortugas for their abundant turtles.
During his fourth expedition to the Americas, Christopher Columbus sailed near the islands now known as the Cayman Islands on May 10, 1503. Struck by the abundance of large sea turtles basking on the beaches, he named the archipelago 'Las Tortugas'. Columbus and his crew harvested turtles as a vital food source for their lengthy transatlantic journey. The islands lacked fresh water, but their wildlife provided memorable encounters for the voyageurs. Columbus's descriptive naming followed the common practice of assigning Spanish names to newly encountered territories. Over time, the name evolved to 'Cayman', derived from the Carib word for crocodile. Today, the Cayman Islands are known for their vibrant marine biodiversity and tourism industry.
1503 Christopher Columbus Cayman Islands turtles
1534day.year

Jacques Cartier visits Newfoundland.

In 1534, French explorer Jacques Cartier made his first landing on the shores of Newfoundland.
On May 10, 1534, Jacques Cartier, sailing under the commission of King Francis I of France, reached the rugged coastline of Newfoundland during his inaugural voyage to North America. Cartier and his crew documented local geography and maritime conditions, noting points for future navigation. Although contact with indigenous peoples was limited on this leg of the journey, his preliminary observations spurred further exploratory missions. Cartier's reports would later guide his expeditions into the Gulf of Saint Lawrence and inform France's colonial ambitions. His voyage marked one of the earliest French incursions into northeastern North America. The landing became a foundational moment in the European exploration and mapping of the region.
1534 Jacques Cartier Newfoundland
1688day.year

King Narai nominates Phetracha as regent, leading to the revolution of 1688 in which Phetracha becomes king of the Ayutthaya Kingdom.

In 1688, Siamese King Narai appointed Phetracha as regent, triggering a palace coup that installed Phetracha as king.
Amid escalating court intrigues and foreign influence in the Ayutthaya Kingdom, King Narai named his trusted general Phetracha as regent on May 10, 1688. This appointment heightened tensions between pro-French factions and traditionalist nobles. Within weeks, Phetracha orchestrated a coup, seizing the royal palace and declaring himself monarch. Key officials loyal to King Narai were imprisoned or executed, effectively ending French supremacy at the Siamese court. Phetracha then pursued policies of isolationism and strengthened Buddhist institutions. The revolution marked a turning point in Siam's relations with European powers. It signaled the end of a flourishing period under King Narai and the start of a new dynastic era.
1688 Narai Phetracha revolution of 1688 Ayutthaya Kingdom
1713day.year

Great Northern War: The Russian Navy led by Admiral Fyodor Apraksin land both at Katajanokka and Hietalahti during the Battle of Helsinki.

During the Great Northern War in 1713, Russian forces landed at Katajanokka and Hietalahti, initiating the Battle of Helsinki.
On May 10, 1713, Admiral Fyodor Apraksin led the Russian Baltic fleet in coordinated landings at Katajanokka and Hietalahti on the outskirts of Helsinki. Russian troops encountered minimal resistance and compelled Swedish defenders to withdraw from the unprepared coastal positions. The occupation of Helsinki provided a strategic base for Russian advances deeper into Finland. Over the coming days, the city's fortifications were dismantled or burned to deny their use to Swedish forces. The victory showcased Russia's growing naval and amphibious warfare capabilities. Finland remained under Russian occupation until a brief Swedish counterattack later in the Great Northern War. The battle reshaped the power dynamics in the Baltic region.
1713 Great Northern War Russian Navy Fyodor Apraksin Katajanokka Hietalahti Battle of Helsinki
1768day.year

Rioting occurs in London after John Wilkes is imprisoned for writing an article for The North Briton severely criticizing King George III.

In 1768, violent riots broke out in London after journalist John Wilkes was imprisoned for criticizing King George III.
John Wilkes, a Member of Parliament and editor of The North Briton, published a sharply worded critique of King George III in issue number 45. His arrest for seditious libel ignited public outrage across London. On May 10, 1768, mobs attacked prisons where Wilkes was held, as well as properties of government officials. The unrest highlighted tensions over press freedom, parliamentary privilege, and the limits of royal authority. Wilkes's supporters lauded him as a champion of civil liberties. Authorities ultimately released him, but the riots sparked a broader debate on government censorship. The events of 1768 stand as a landmark in the evolution of free expression in Britain.
1768 John Wilkes The North Briton King George III
1773day.year

The Parliament of Great Britain passes the Tea Act, designed to save the British East India Company by reducing taxes on its tea and granting it the right to sell tea directly to North America. The legislation leads to the Boston Tea Party.

On May 10, 1773, the British Parliament enacted the Tea Act, granting the East India Company a tea monopoly in North America.
The Tea Act of May 10, 1773, was designed to rescue the faltering British East India Company by allowing it to ship tea directly to the American colonies at reduced duties. The legislation undercut colonial merchants and reinforced the principle of taxation by Parliament. American colonists viewed the law as another example of 'taxation without representation' and rallied in opposition. In December 1773, protestors in Boston famously boarded Royal Navy ships and dumped hundreds of chests of tea into the harbor. This act of defiance, known as the Boston Tea Party, fueled the growing movement for American independence. The Tea Act deepened the rift between Britain and its North American colonies. Historians regard it as a critical turning point on the road to revolution.
1773 Parliament of Great Britain Tea Act British East India Company tea Boston Tea Party
1774day.year

Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette become King and Queen of France.

In 1774, Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette ascended the French throne, shaping the monarchy's destiny on the eve of revolution.
On May 10, 1774, following the death of King Louis XV, his grandson Louis XVI was proclaimed King of France. His wife, Marie Antoinette, also assumed the title of Queen. The young couple inherited a kingdom burdened by financial crisis and social unrest. Their reign witnessed attempts at reform but also growing public discontent. Known for their lavish lifestyle, they became symbols of monarchical excess. Less than two decades later, revolutionary fervor would engulf France, ultimately ending their rule. Their story remains a poignant prelude to the French Revolution.
1774 Louis XVI Marie Antoinette
1775day.year

American Revolutionary War: A small Colonial militia led by Ethan Allen and Colonel Benedict Arnold captures Fort Ticonderoga.

In 1775, Ethan Allen and Benedict Arnold led Patriot forces to capture Fort Ticonderoga, gaining vital artillery for the American Revolutionary War.
On May 10, 1775, a small colonial militia commanded by Ethan Allen and Benedict Arnold surprised the British garrison at Fort Ticonderoga on Lake Champlain. The capture yielded a significant cache of cannons and munitions crucial for the Continental Army. This daring operation boosted Patriot morale and control over a strategic waterway. Despite facing limited resources, the raiders executed a swift, almost bloodless victory. The seized artillery would later be transported to Boston to break the British siege. Fort Ticonderoga's fall marked one of the first offensive successes for the Patriots. It demonstrated early American resolve in the fight for independence.
1775 American Revolutionary War Ethan Allen Benedict Arnold captures Fort Ticonderoga