May 13

Events

1344day.year

A Latin Christian fleet defeats a Turkish fleet in the battle of Pallene during the Smyrniote crusades.

A Latin Christian fleet triumphs over the Turkish navy at Pallene in 1344, marking a pivotal victory in the Smyrniote Crusades.
On May 13, 1344, as part of the Smyrniote Crusades, a Latin Christian naval force engaged and overcame a Turkish fleet near Pallene. The Crusader armada skillfully penetrated the Turkish line, securing a decisive victory. This battle helped protect Smyrna and surrounding territories from Ottoman influence. It demonstrated evolving naval tactics and the strategic importance of controlling Aegean waters. The triumph boosted morale among Christian states and delayed Turkish expansion in the region.
1344 Latin Christian battle of Pallene Smyrniote crusades
1373day.year

Julian of Norwich has visions of Jesus while suffering from a life-threatening illness, visions which are later described and interpreted in her book Revelations of Divine Love.

During a severe illness in 1373, English mystic Julian of Norwich experiences profound visions of Jesus that shape her spiritual legacy.
During a life-threatening illness on May 13, 1373, Julian of Norwich received a series of mystical visions of Jesus Christ that profoundly shaped her spiritual outlook. These revelations offered insights into divine love, compassion, and the nature of sin and redemption. After recovering, she spent years reflecting on these experiences and writing them down. The resulting work, Revelations of Divine Love, became one of the earliest known English books by a woman. Julian’s theology emphasized God’s unconditional love and mercy, influencing Christian spirituality for centuries.
1373 Julian of Norwich visions of Jesus Revelations of Divine Love
1501day.year

Amerigo Vespucci, this time under Portuguese flag, set sail for western lands.

In 1501, explorer Amerigo Vespucci departs Lisbon under the Portuguese flag to chart unknown western lands.
On May 13, 1501, the renowned Florentine navigator Amerigo Vespucci departed Lisbon under Portuguese commission for a voyage to chart and assess the lands west of Africa. Aboard his fleet, Vespucci sought to reach unknown shores and determine whether these lands were part of Asia or a 'New World.' During the expedition, he explored parts of South America’s coastline, noting its distinct flora, fauna, and indigenous cultures. His detailed letters stirred European interest and contributed to the realization of the American continent’s separate identity. Vespucci’s observations laid the groundwork for future explorations and the naming of the Americas in his honor.
1501 Amerigo Vespucci
1568day.year

Mary, Queen of Scots, is defeated at the Battle of Langside, part of the civil war between Queen Mary and the supporters of her son, James VI.

Mary, Queen of Scots, suffers defeat at the Battle of Langside in 1568, ending her campaign to regain control of Scotland.
On May 13, 1568, Mary, Queen of Scots, led her forces in battle at Langside near Glasgow against the army loyal to her son, James VI. Following her forced abdication in favor of her infant son, Mary sought to regain her throne but met strong resistance. The decisive defeat at Langside shattered her hopes of restoring her authority in Scotland. She fled southward and sought refuge in England, landing near Workington. Mary’s arrival in England set in motion events that would lead to her long captivity under Queen Elizabeth I, altering the course of British history.
1568 Mary, Queen of Scots Battle of Langside civil war between Queen Mary and the supporters of her son, James VI.
1612day.year

Sword duel between Miyamoto Musashi and Sasaki Kojiro on the shores of Ganryū Island. Kojiro dies at the end.

Legendary samurai Miyamoto Musashi defeats Sasaki Kojiro in a famed duel on Ganryū Island in 1612.
On May 13, 1612, two of Japan’s most celebrated swordsmen faced each other in a one-on-one duel on Ganryū Island. Miyamoto Musashi, known for his unorthodox two-sword style, challenged Sasaki Kojiro, famed for his deadly 'swallow cut.' Musashi arrived late and used a wooden sword carved from an oar, catching Kojiro off guard. The swift and unexpected strike to Kojiro’s skull proved fatal, ending the duel decisively. Musashi’s victory cemented his legend and highlighted his innovative martial tactics. The duel has been immortalized in Japanese literature and art as a symbol of strategy, skill, and the samurai spirit.
1612 Miyamoto Musashi Sasaki Kojiro
1619day.year

Dutch statesman Johan van Oldenbarnevelt is executed in The Hague after being convicted of treason.

Dutch statesman Johan van Oldenbarnevelt is executed for treason in The Hague in 1619, a watershed moment in Dutch politics.
On May 13, 1619, Johan van Oldenbarnevelt, a leading figure in the Dutch Republic’s founding, was executed by beheading in The Hague. As Advocate of Holland, he had championed religious tolerance and provincial autonomy, clashing with Maurice of Nassau over state governance. Accused of treason and undermining the Republic’s unity, he was arrested, tried, and sentenced despite public support. His death shocked the nation and intensified political and religious tensions. Van Oldenbarnevelt’s legacy endures as a symbol of civic leadership and the limits of political dissent in early modern Europe.
1619 Johan van Oldenbarnevelt The Hague treason
1654day.year

A Venetian fleet under Admiral Cort Adeler breaks through a line of galleys and defeats the Turkish navy.

Admiral Cort Adeler’s Venetian fleet breaks the Ottoman galley line and secures victory in 1654.
On May 13, 1654, during the ongoing Venetian–Ottoman conflicts, Admiral Cort Adeler led a squadron of Venetian galleys into battle against a larger Ottoman fleet. Utilizing superior seamanship and tactical formations, the Venetians penetrated the Turkish line. The victory at sea disrupted Ottoman supply routes and demonstrated the effectiveness of Venetian naval reforms. This engagement bolstered Venetian morale and maritime prestige in the eastern Mediterranean. The success also prolonged the Republic’s resistance against Ottoman expansion. Cort Adeler’s leadership was celebrated in Venice and inspired further maritime innovations.
1654 Cort Adeler
1779day.year

War of the Bavarian Succession: Russian and French mediators at the Congress of Teschen negotiate an end to the war. In the agreement Austria receives the part of its territory that was taken from it (the Innviertel).

Mediators from Russia and France conclude the Congress of Teschen in 1779, ending the War of the Bavarian Succession and restoring Austria’s Innviertel.
On May 13, 1779, representatives of Russia and France convened at Teschen to broker peace between Austria and Prussia in the War of the Bavarian Succession. After months of stalemate and border skirmishes, both sides accepted mediated terms to avoid a broader conflict. The agreement granted Austria the Innviertel region it had originally lost, while Prussia retained key Bavarian territories. The Treaty of Teschen marked one of the earliest successful examples of elite diplomatic mediation in Europe. It reinforced the concept of balance of power and influenced future peaceful dispute resolutions.
1779 War of the Bavarian Succession Congress of Teschen Innviertel
1780day.year

The Cumberland Compact is signed by leaders of the settlers in the Cumberland River area of what would become the U.S. state of Tennessee, providing for democratic government and a formal system of justice.

Pioneers of the Cumberland River valley sign the Cumberland Compact in 1780, laying the foundations for democratic governance and justice.
On May 13, 1780, pioneers in the Cumberland River valley drafted and signed the Cumberland Compact to govern the fledgling settlement. The agreement outlined a framework for elected officials, land distribution, and a court system to resolve disputes. It reflected Enlightenment ideals of representative government and the rule of law in a frontier context. Signing the Compact ensured social order and encouraged further migration to the region. The document is recognized as a precursor to Tennessee’s state constitution and an early experiment in American self-governance.
1780 Cumberland Compact Cumberland River U.S. state Tennessee
1804day.year

Forces sent by Yusuf Karamanli of Tripoli to retake Derna from the Americans attack the city.

Tripoli’s ruler Yusuf Karamanli launches an attack on Derna in 1804 to reclaim it from American forces during the First Barbary War.
On May 13, 1804, Tripoli’s ruler Yusuf Karamanli dispatched troops to recapture the port city of Derna from a U.S. Marine and mercenary garrison. The city had fallen to American forces earlier in the year in a daring expedition. The assault aimed to reassert Karamanli control over the coast and disrupt American supply lines. Fierce combat ensued, highlighting the challenges of amphibious operations in North Africa. Despite initial successes, the attackers faced stiff resistance and suffered heavy losses. The engagement at Derna became a notable episode in America’s first overseas military intervention and influenced subsequent diplomatic negotiations.
1804 Yusuf Karamanli retake Derna
1830day.year

Ecuador gains its independence from Gran Colombia.

In 1830, Ecuador declared its independence from Gran Colombia, establishing itself as a sovereign nation.
On May 13, 1830, the Republic of Ecuador formally separated from the Gran Colombia federation after years of political and regional tensions. The move was driven by debates over centralization and representation in the newly formed state. Leading figures like Juan José Flores and José Joaquín de Olmedo championed autonomy for Ecuadorian provinces. The dissolution marked the end of Gran Colombia’s dream of a united northern South America. Ecuador’s independence paved the way for its own constitution, government institutions, and future growth. This event reshaped the political map of the continent and inspired other regions to pursue self-determination.
1830 Ecuador Gran Colombia
1846day.year

Mexican–American War: The United States declares war on the Federal Republic of Mexico following a dispute over the American annexation of the Republic of Texas and a Mexican military incursion.

In 1846, the United States declared war on Mexico, igniting the Mexican–American War over territorial disputes following Texas annexation.
President James K. Polk officially asked Congress for a declaration of war on May 13, 1846, citing Mexico’s attack on U.S. forces north of the Rio Grande. The conflict arose after the U.S. annexed the Republic of Texas in 1845, which Mexico still considered its territory. Polk’s administration argued that Mexico had breached American sovereignty and sought to defend national honor. The war ultimately led to U.S. victory and the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848. Under the treaty, Mexico ceded vast territories including present-day California, Arizona, and New Mexico. The outcome reshaped the continent and fueled debates over slavery in the newly acquired lands.
1846 Mexican–American War United States declares war Federal Republic of Mexico annexation Republic of Texas incursion