July 15
Overview
Holidays & Observances
Christianfeast day:
Abhai(Syriac Orthodox Church), Anne-Marie Javouhey, Bernhard II, Margrave of Baden-Baden, Bonaventure, Dispersion of the Apostles(formerly by theCatholic Church), Donald of Ogilvy, Edith of Polesworth, Edith of Wilton, Plechelm, Quriaqos and Julietta(Eastern Orthodox,Oriental Orthodox), Swithun, Vladimir the Great(Eastern Orthodox; Catholic Church), July 15 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)
A collective day commemorating various Christian saints and events observed in Eastern and Western traditions. Honors a diverse group of early Christian figures across denominations. Brings together liturgies from Catholic, Orthodox, and Oriental traditions.
EU Day for the Victims of the Global Climate Crisis(European Union, worldwide)
An EU initiative to honor those impacted by the global climate crisis and to promote awareness and action on environmental justice.
Festival of Santa Rosalia(Palermo,Sicily)
A vibrant annual celebration in Palermo honoring Saint Rosalia, featuring religious processions, music, and fireworks.
Meänmaa Flag Day(Meänmaa)
A day celebrating the Meänmaa region's heritage by flying the Meänmaa flag and honoring Tornedalian culture.
Statehood Day(Ukraine)
Ukraine's Statehood Day commemorates the historic roots of Ukrainian nationhood and the legacy of Kyivan Rus.
Abhai(Syriac Orthodox Church)
Feast day honoring Saint Abhai, revered in the Syriac Orthodox Church for his steadfast faith and martyrdom.
Anne-Marie Javouhey
Celebration of Saint Anne-Marie Javouhey, the pioneering French nun and missionary known for her humanitarian efforts.
Bernhard II, Margrave of Baden-Baden
Bonaventure
Feast day celebrating Saint Bonaventure, influential Franciscan theologian and Doctor of the Church.
Events
Dedication of the Temple of Castor and Pollux in ancient Rome.
Centered in the Roman Forum, the Temple of Castor and Pollux was dedicated in 484 BC. This grand ceremony honored the twin gods and showcased Rome’s early architectural prowess.
First Jewish–Roman War: Titus and his armies breach the walls of Jerusalem. (17th of Tammuz in the Hebrew calendar).
On July 15, 70 AD, Emperor Titus’s legions breached Jerusalem’s formidable walls during the First Jewish–Roman War. This pivotal assault led to the city’s ultimate fall.
An Lushan Rebellion: Emperor Xuanzong of Tang is ordered by his Imperial Guards to execute chancellor Yang Guozhong by forcing him to commit suicide or face a mutiny. General An Lushan has other members of the emperor's family killed.
During the An Lushan Rebellion in 756, Emperor Xuanzong’s guards forced Chancellor Yang Guozhong to commit suicide amid fears of mutiny. This dramatic purge reflected the rebellion’s turmoil.
First Crusade: Christian soldiers take the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem after the final assault of a difficult siege.
On July 15, 1099, Crusader forces captured the Church of the Holy Sepulchre after a grueling siege. This triumph marked the fall of Jerusalem during the First Crusade.
The reconstructed Church of the Holy Sepulchre is consecrated in Jerusalem.
In 1149, Crusader leaders consecrated the newly rebuilt Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. The ceremony reaffirmed the site’s spiritual centrality in Christendom.
King John of England expels Canterbury monks for supporting Archbishop Stephen Langton.
King John of England expelled the monks of Canterbury in 1207 for backing Archbishop Stephen Langton. This clash with the Church escalated tensions ahead of the Magna Carta era.
Swedish–Novgorodian Wars: A Novgorodian army led by Alexander Nevsky defeats the Swedes in the Battle of the Neva.
On July 15, 1240, Alexander Nevsky led Novgorodian forces to victory over the Swedes at the Battle of the Neva. This triumph bolstered his reputation as a defender of Russia.
John Ball, a leader in the Peasants' Revolt, is hanged, drawn and quartered in the presence of King Richard II of England.
Peasants’ Revolt leader John Ball was executed by hanging, drawing, and quartering before King Richard II on July 15, 1381. His death underscored the revolt’s brutal suppression.
Polish–Lithuanian–Teutonic War: Battle of Grunwald: The allied forces of the Kingdom of Poland and the Grand Duchy of Lithuania defeat the army of the Teutonic Order.
In 1410, Polish and Lithuanian forces defeated the Teutonic Knights at the Battle of Grunwald. This decisive medieval clash altered Eastern Europe’s power balance.
Births
Ichijō
66th emperor of Japan who reigned during the Heian period.
Ewostatewos
Ethiopian monk and religious reformer who founded the Ewostathian movement.
Vladimir the Bold
Prince of Serpukhov known for his military prowess against the Golden Horde.
Antonio Correr
Italian cardinal and diplomat active during the Western Schism.
Boček IV of Poděbrady
Member of the Poděbrady dynasty who managed significant Bohemian estates.
Queen Yun
Queen consort of the Joseon dynasty during the reign of King Seongjong.
Eskender
Emperor of Ethiopia known for his struggles against internal revolt and external threats.
Barbara Jagiellon
Polish princess who strengthened ties between Poland and Saxony through marriage.
Inigo Jones
Pioneering English architect who introduced classical Palladian design.
Deaths
Yang Guifei
One of ancient China's Four Beauties and beloved consort of Emperor Xuanzong during the Tang dynasty.
Abū al-Wafā' Būzjānī
Medieval Persian mathematician and astronomer known for advancements in trigonometry and astronomical observation.
Vladimir the Great
Grand Prince of Kievan Rus' who Christianized the region and consolidated state power.
Bonaventure
Italian Franciscan theologian, cardinal, and saint known as the ‘Seraphic Doctor’ of the Church.
First King of Germany from the House of Habsburg who established his family's power in Central Europe.
King of Norway who ruled during the late 13th century and was involved in conflicts with neighboring kingdoms.
John Ball
English Lollard priest and radical preacher whose words inspired the Peasants' Revolt of 1381.
Agnes of Durazzo
Titular Latin Empress consort of Constantinople in the 14th century.
Catherine of Henneberg
German countess and ruling noblewoman who governed Henneberg territories in the 14th century.