138day.year
Emperor Hadrian of Rome dies of heart failure at his residence on the bay of Naples, Baiae; he is buried at Rome in the Tomb of Hadrian beside his late wife, Vibia Sabina.
Roman Emperor Hadrian dies at his villa in Baiae and is laid to rest in his monumental tomb in Rome.
Hadrian, the third of the Five Good Emperors, passed away on July 10, 138 AD from heart failure at his seaside villa in Baiae. His reign was marked by consolidation of the empire’s borders, including the construction of Hadrian’s Wall in Britannia. An avid patron of architecture and the arts, he built an elaborate imperial retreat blending diverse cultural influences. Upon his death, he was interred in the Mausoleum of Hadrian, which later became known as Castel Sant'Angelo. He was laid to rest beside his wife, Vibia Sabina, honoring their partnership. Hadrian’s policies fostered a period of peace and stability known as the Pax Romana. His legacy endures in numerous monuments and his contributions to Roman law and culture.
138
Hadrian
heart failure
Baiae
Rome
Tomb of Hadrian
Vibia Sabina
420day.year
Having usurped the throne of Emperor Gong of Jin, Liu Yu proclaims himself Emperor of the Liu Song dynasty.
General Liu Yu seizes power from Emperor Gong of Jin and establishes the Liu Song dynasty in 420.
In 420, the military leader Liu Yu overthrew the weakened Eastern Jin dynasty by deposing Emperor Gong in a calculated coup. He declared himself emperor and inaugurated the Liu Song dynasty, marking the beginning of the Southern Dynasties period in China. Liu Yu’s rise reflected the era’s turbulence, with rival princes and court factions vying for control. Under his rule, the new court sought to stabilize the south and defend against northern invasions. The transition reshaped imperial structures and court protocols. Liu Yu implemented reforms to strengthen central authority and reorganized the military command. His establishment of Liu Song laid foundations for cultural and economic growth in the region over the following decades.
420
Emperor Gong of Jin
Liu Yu
Emperor
Liu Song dynasty
645day.year
Isshi Incident: Prince Naka-no-Ōe and Fujiwara no Kamatari assassinate Soga no Iruka during a coup d'état at the imperial palace.
Prince Naka-no-Ōe and Fujiwara no Kamatari launch the Isshi Incident, eliminating Soga no Iruka at the palace.
The Isshi Incident unfolded on July 10, 645, as Prince Naka-no-Ōe and the noble Fujiwara no Kamatari led a coup against the powerful Soga clan. They stormed the imperial palace and assassinated Soga no Iruka, a dominant regent accused of corrupting the throne. This daring act ended decades of Soga influence over the Yamato court. In its aftermath, Emperor Kōtoku ascended and initiated the Taika Reforms, aiming to centralize power and adopt Chinese-style governance. Land was nationalized and a more meritocratic administration was established. The incident reshaped Japan’s political landscape and marked the decline of clan-based rule. It set the stage for the formation of a strong imperial state under direct court control.
645
Isshi Incident
Naka-no-Ōe
Fujiwara no Kamatari
Soga no Iruka
coup d'état
988day.year
The Norse King Glúniairn recognises Máel Sechnaill mac Domnaill, High King of Ireland, and agrees to pay taxes and accept Brehon Law; the event is considered to be the founding of the city of Dublin.
Norse King Glúniairn submits to High King Máel Sechnaill and accepts Irish law, founding Dublin in 988.
In 988, the Norse ruler Glúniairn of Dublin acknowledged Máel Sechnaill mac Domnaill as High King of Ireland. This agreement included paying regular tribute and observing the native Brehon Law system. The truce ended Viking and Gaelic hostilities, allowing the settlement to evolve into a thriving urban center. Historians regard this moment as the official founding of Dublin, transforming it from a seasonal encampment to a permanent town. The fusion of Norse and Irish customs fostered a unique cultural identity. Over the following centuries, Dublin grew into a key trade hub linking Ireland with the wider Viking world. This foundation paved the way for its development into Ireland’s capital.
988
Glúniairn
Máel Sechnaill mac Domnaill
Brehon Law
Dublin
1290day.year
Ladislaus IV, King of Hungary, is assassinated at the castle of Körösszeg (modern-day Cheresig in Romania).
King Ladislaus IV of Hungary is assassinated at Körösszeg castle, ending his controversial reign.
On July 10, 1290, Ladislaus IV, known as Ladislaus the Cuman, was killed by a member of his own retinue at Körösszeg castle in present-day Romania. His death marked the violent conclusion of a reign troubled by tensions between the Hungarian nobility, the Church, and his Cuman allies. Crowned as a child, he later embraced Cuman customs, provoking noble and clerical opposition. Attempts to reconcile with the Papacy and local lords often fell short amid mutual distrust. His assassination triggered a disputed succession, ultimately leading to the rise of Andrew III. Ladislaus’s legacy is remembered for the cultural blending he oversaw and the political turmoil he left behind.
1290
Ladislaus IV
King of Hungary
Körösszeg
Romania
1553day.year
Lady Jane Grey takes the throne of England.
Lady Jane Grey is declared queen of England in a dramatic succession crisis.
In July 1553, following the death of King Edward VI, Lady Jane Grey was proclaimed queen by powerful nobles. This unexpected accession was orchestrated by John Dudley, Duke of Northumberland, to secure a Protestant succession. At just 16 years old, Jane's reign began amid intense political intrigue and dynastic rivalry. Her claim was soon challenged by supporters of Mary Tudor, daughter of Henry VIII. Within days, Mary rallied an army and secured popular support. Jane was forced to relinquish the crown after nine days on the throne. Her brief rule highlighted the volatility of Tudor succession politics. Ultimately, Jane was imprisoned in the Tower of London and later executed, leaving a lasting legacy in English history.
1553
Lady Jane Grey
1584day.year
William I of Orange is assassinated in his home in Delft, Holland, by Balthasar Gérard.
William the Silent, leader of the Dutch revolt, is assassinated in Delft.
On July 10, 1584, William I of Orange, instrumental in the Dutch struggle for independence, was fatally shot in Delft by Balthasar Gérard. Known as William the Silent, he had united various provinces against Spanish rule through diplomacy and military leadership. The assassination was the result of a Spanish-backed conspiracy aiming to quell the rebellion. William was reportedly holding private prayers when the gunman struck. His death sent shockwaves through the nascent Dutch Republic and inspired continued resistance. William's leadership had laid the foundations for the United Provinces of the Netherlands. After his death, he was celebrated as a martyr for freedom and Protestantism. His legacy endures in the Dutch national anthem, the Wilhelmus, which honors his memory.
1584
William I of Orange
Delft
Holland
Balthasar Gérard
1778day.year
American Revolution: Louis XVI of France declares war on the Kingdom of Great Britain.
France enters the American Revolution by declaring war on Britain, altering the conflict’s balance.
On July 10, 1778, King Louis XVI of France formally declared war on Great Britain, entering the American Revolutionary War on the side of the colonies. This declaration followed France’s secret Treaty of Alliance with the United States in 1777. The French monarchy’s involvement provided crucial naval support, troops, and supplies to the Continental Army. Britain now faced a global war, with theatres in Europe, the Caribbean, and Asia. French engagement boosted American morale and strained British military resources. The conflict expanded into a struggle among European powers, transforming it into a world war. France’s declaration signaled a turning point, leading to eventual American victory. It also bolstered France’s international prestige on the eve of its own revolutionary upheaval.
1778
American Revolution
Louis XVI of France
Kingdom of Great Britain
1832day.year
U.S. President Andrew Jackson vetoes a bill that would re-charter the Second Bank of the United States.
President Andrew Jackson vetoes the bill to recharter the Second Bank of the United States, intensifying the Bank War.
On July 10, 1832, President Andrew Jackson delivered his veto message against the recharter of the Second Bank of the United States. Jackson argued that the Bank concentrated too much economic power in a private institution and threatened democratic principles. His decision reflected populist distrust of elites and aligned with his commitment to states’ rights. The veto ignited a fierce political battle known as the Bank War, dividing Democrats and National Republicans. Supporters of the Bank, led by Henry Clay, accused Jackson of executive overreach and corruption. Jackson’s stance contributed to his re-election later that year, reaffirming his mandate against the Bank. The institution’s charter ultimately expired in 1836, and its functions were redistributed to state banks. Jackson’s Bank War reshaped American finance and presidential power, leaving a lasting impact on federal fiscal policy.
1832
Andrew Jackson
Second Bank of the United States
1850day.year
U.S. President Millard Fillmore is sworn in, a day after becoming president upon Zachary Taylor's death.
Millard Fillmore becomes the 13th President of the United States following Zachary Taylor’s death.
On July 10, 1850, Millard Fillmore was sworn in as President of the United States after the sudden death of President Zachary Taylor. Previously serving as Vice President, Fillmore assumed the office during a period of intense sectional tension over slavery and territorial expansion. He inherited challenges including the Compromise of 1850, which aimed to ease North-South divisions. Fillmore supported the Fugitive Slave Act, a controversial provision that required escaped slaves be returned to their owners. His actions drew sharp criticism from abolitionists and heightened national discord. Despite this, he oversaw negotiations that admitted California as a free state and organized New Mexico and Utah territories. Fillmore’s presidency is often seen as a calm interlude before the Civil War. His tenure highlighted the complexities of balancing national unity and human rights in antebellum America.
1850
Millard Fillmore
Zachary Taylor
1877day.year
The then-villa of Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, formally receives its city charter from the Royal Crown of Spain.
Mayagüez in Puerto Rico is officially granted a city charter by the Spanish Crown.
On July 10, 1877, the settlement of Mayagüez in Puerto Rico was elevated from a village to a city by royal decree of the Spanish Crown. This official recognition acknowledged Mayagüez’s growth as an agricultural and commercial center on the island’s western coast. The new charter allowed for municipal self-government, including the election of city council members and local development initiatives. It spurred investments in infrastructure such as roads, ports, and public buildings. Over time, Mayagüez became known for its sugar cane production and cultural institutions. The designation also fostered a strong civic identity among its residents. Mayagüez’s transition reflected broader trends of urbanization in 19th-century Spanish colonies. Today, the city remains an important academic and economic hub in Puerto Rico, and the 1877 charter marks a milestone in its rich historical heritage.
1877
villa
Mayagüez, Puerto Rico
1890day.year
Wyoming is admitted as the 44th U.S. state.
Wyoming becomes the 44th state of the United States, completing the contiguous Union.
On July 10, 1890, Wyoming was officially admitted to the United States as the 44th state. Located in the Mountain West, Wyoming had pioneered women’s suffrage by granting voting rights to women in 1869. Its statehood recognized its growing population and economic contributions, especially from ranching and mining. The admission established state governance structures and representation in Congress. Wyoming’s wide-open spaces and low population made it one of the least populous states at the time. Its state seal and flag reflect its frontier heritage and natural beauty. Celebrations marked a new chapter in the American West’s development.
1890
Wyoming
U.S. state