July 04
Overview
Holidays & Observances
Christian feast day:
Andrew of Crete, Bertha of Artois, BlessedCatherine Jarrige, BlessedPier Giorgio Frassati, Elizabeth of Aragon (or of Portugal), Oda of Canterbury, Ulrich of Augsburg, July 4 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)
July 4 in the Eastern Orthodox liturgical calendar commemorates several saints and blessed figures, including Andrew of Crete, Bertha of Artois, and others.
CARICOM Day
CARICOM Day on July 4 celebrates the founding of the Caribbean Community and its mission of regional cooperation among member states.
The first evening ofDree Festival, celebrated until July 7 (Apatani people,Arunachal Pradesh,India)
The first evening of the Dree Festival marks a four-day agricultural celebration held by the Apatani people in Arunachal Pradesh, India.
Independence Day(United States)
Independence Day in the United States commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.
Liberation Day(Northern Mariana Islands)
Liberation Day in the Northern Mariana Islands commemorates the end of Japanese occupation during World War II on July 4, 1944.
Liberation Day(Rwanda)
Liberation Day in Rwanda marks the end of the 1994 genocide and the victory of the Rwandan Patriotic Front on July 4.
Republic Day (Philippines)
Republic Day in the Philippines commemorates the country’s full sovereignty with the adoption of the 1946 Treaty of Manila on July 4.
Andrew of Crete
Saint Andrew of Crete, a 7th-8th century theologian and composer, is commemorated on July 4 in the Eastern Orthodox Church.
Bertha of Artois
Saint Bertha of Artois, a 7th-century Frankish noblewoman and abbess, is honored on July 4.
Events
Battle of Mantinea: The Thebans, led by Epaminondas, defeated the Spartans.
In 362 BC, at the Battle of Mantinea, Theban general Epaminondas led his troops to a decisive victory over Sparta, altering the balance of power in ancient Greece.
Emperor Theodosius II, age 13, yields power to his older sister Aelia Pulcheria, who reigned as regent and proclaimed herself empress (Augusta) of the Eastern Roman Empire.
In 414, the teenage Emperor Theodosius II ceded authority to his sister Aelia Pulcheria, who became regent and Augusta of the Eastern Roman Empire.
Pactum Sicardi, a peace treaty between the Principality of Benevento and the Duchy of Naples, is signed.
In 836, the Pactum Sicardi was signed, forging peace between Benevento and Naples for trade and security.
Ulrich of Augsburg is canonized as a saint.
In 993, Bishop Ulrich of Augsburg was canonized, becoming the first saint formally recognized by a pope.
A supernova, called SN 1054, is seen by Chinese Song dynasty, Arab, and possibly Amerindian observers near the star Zeta Tauri. For several months it remains bright enough to be seen during the day. Its remnants form the Crab Nebula.
In 1054, observers across Asia witnessed SN 1054, a supernova so bright it was visible in daylight, whose remnants form the Crab Nebula.
Jordan II of Capua is anointed as prince after his infant nephew's death.
In 1120, Jordan II of Capua was anointed prince following the untimely death of his infant nephew, altering Capuan succession.
The Crusades: Battle of Hattin: Saladin defeats Guy of Lusignan, King of Jerusalem.
On July 4, 1187, Saladin’s forces decisively defeated King Guy of Lusignan at the Battle of Hattin, paving the way for the Muslim reconquest of Jerusalem.
Battle of West-Capelle: John I of Avesnes defeats Guy of Dampierre.
In 1253, John I of Avesnes secured victory over Guy of Dampierre at the Battle of West-Capelle, influencing power dynamics in Flanders.
Genkō War: Forces loyal to Emperor Go-Daigo seize Tōshō-ji during the Siege of Kamakura. Hōjō Takatoki and other members of the Hōjō clan commit suicide, ending the rule of the Kamakura shogunate.
In 1333, the Genkō War climaxed as Emperor Go-Daigo’s forces captured Tōshō-ji, leading to the fall of the Hōjō clan and the end of the Kamakura shogunate.
Births
Salonia Matidia
Salonia Matidia was a Roman noblewoman, niece of Emperor Trajan and daughter of Ulpia Marciana.
Usama ibn Munqidh
Usama ibn Munqidh was a medieval Arab poet, author, and warrior known for his memoirs documenting life during the Crusades.
Ashikaga Yoshiakira
Ashikaga Yoshiakira was the second shōgun of the Ashikaga shogunate in Japan, leading during the tumultuous Nanboku-chō period.
Johannes Aventinus
Johannes Aventinus was a Bavarian humanist, historian, and philologist known for his pioneering work on Bavarian history.
Murad III
Murad III was the Ottoman Sultan who ruled during the empire’s zenith in the late 16th century.
John Leake
Sir John Leake was a distinguished Royal Navy admiral known for his service during the War of the Spanish Succession.
Louis-Claude Daquin
Louis-Claude Daquin was a prominent French Baroque composer and organist celebrated for his keyboard works.
Christian Fürchtegott Gellert
Christian Fürchtegott Gellert was an 18th-century German poet and philosopher celebrated for his moral and didactic writings.
Michel-Jean Sedaine
Michel-Jean Sedaine was a French dramatist and librettist known for his contributions to 18th-century theater and opera.
Deaths
Ecgberht
7th-century King of Kent who ruled in early medieval England.
Luitpold
Margrave of Bavaria who defended the region against Magyar invasions.
Dietmar I
Archbishop of Salzburg and influential medieval church leader.
Luo Shaowei
Chinese warlord and military governor during the late Tang dynasty.
Wang Jianli
Leading general of the Five Dynasties period known for his loyalty and discipline.
Taejo of Goryeo
Founder and first king of the Goryeo dynasty in Korea.
Zhuo Yanming
Buddhist monk who briefly claimed the imperial throne during the Five Dynasties period.
Benedict V
Pope of the Catholic Church for a brief period in 964–965.
Ulrich of Augsburg
German bishop of Augsburg and revered Christian saint.