July 22

Events

838day.year

Battle of Anzen: The Byzantine emperor Theophilos suffers a heavy defeat by the Abbasids.

In 838, Emperor Theophilos’s Byzantine army suffers a crushing defeat at Anzen by the Abbasid Caliphate.
The Battle of Anzen took place in July 838 during the Arab–Byzantine wars, as Emperor Theophilos personally led his forces into Anatolia. The Abbasid army, under generals of Caliph al-Mu'tasim, launched a surprise assault in difficult terrain. Byzantine infantry and cavalry were overwhelmed and forced into a chaotic retreat. This defeat exposed the empire’s vulnerabilities and ended Theophilos’s offensive ambitions. It emboldened the Abbasids to penetrate deeper into Byzantine lands and shaped the balance of power in the region.
838 Battle of Anzen Theophilos Abbasids
1099day.year

First Crusade: Godfrey of Bouillon is elected the first Defender of the Holy Sepulchre of The Kingdom of Jerusalem.

On 22 July 1099, Godfrey of Bouillon was chosen as the first Defender of the Holy Sepulchre after the crusaders captured Jerusalem.
Following the successful siege of Jerusalem during the First Crusade, the crusader leaders convened to decide the city’s new governance. They elected Godfrey of Bouillon, a French nobleman renowned for his piety and martial skill, as the Defender of the Holy Sepulchre rather than king. His title reflected respect for the Church’s spiritual authority over the sacred sites. Godfrey established the foundations of the Kingdom of Jerusalem, balancing military rule with religious devotion. His leadership helped secure the crusader state amid a hostile regional environment.
1099 First Crusade Godfrey of Bouillon Holy Sepulchre Kingdom of Jerusalem
1209day.year

Massacre at Béziers: The first major military action of the Albigensian Crusade.

The Massacre at Béziers marks the first major action of the Albigensian Crusade, resulting in widespread slaughter.
On 22 July 1209, Crusader forces under Simon de Montfort besieged the town of Béziers in southern France. Despite the presence of both Cathars and Catholics, the attackers refused to differentiate and ordered the massacre of inhabitants. Contemporary chroniclers report that up to 20,000 people were killed, including civilians and clergy. The brutality sent shockwaves across the region, igniting fear and resistance among the Cathar population. This atrocity became emblematic of the Albigensian Crusade’s harsh campaign against perceived heresy.
1209 Massacre at Béziers Albigensian Crusade
1298day.year

Wars of Scottish Independence: Battle of Falkirk: King Edward I of England and his longbowmen defeat William Wallace and his Scottish schiltrons outside the town of Falkirk.

At the Battle of Falkirk in 1298, Edward I’s longbowmen decimated William Wallace’s Scottish schiltrons, changing the course of the wars of Scottish independence.
The Battle of Falkirk, fought on 22 July 1298, was a key engagement in the First War of Scottish Independence. King Edward I of England deployed his English and Welsh longbowmen against the tightly packed Scottish schiltron formations led by William Wallace. The devastating volley of arrow fire broke the Scottish lines, forcing a retreat and inflicting heavy casualties. Wallace’s defeat weakened Scottish resistance and led to his resignation as Guardian of Scotland. Despite the setback, the Scots continued their struggle for independence under new leadership.
1298 Wars of Scottish Independence Battle of Falkirk Edward I of England longbowmen William Wallace schiltrons Falkirk
1342day.year

St. Mary Magdalene's flood is the worst such event on record for central Europe.

St. Mary Magdalene’s flood in July 1342 became the worst recorded flood in central Europe’s history.
In July 1342, exceptionally heavy rainfall over the Alps and surrounding regions triggered catastrophic flooding along major rivers such as the Danube, Rhine, and Elbe. Villages and towns in present-day Germany, Austria, and Switzerland were engulfed by surging waters that destroyed homes, bridges, and crops. Contemporary accounts describe entire communities washed away and thousands of lives lost. The flood reshaped riverbanks, altered medieval trade routes, and left a lasting impact on local economies. It remains a benchmark event for studying extreme weather in Europe’s environmental history.
1342 St. Mary Magdalene's flood
1443day.year

Battle of St. Jakob an der Sihl in the Old Zürich War.

During the Old Zürich War in 1443, the Battle of St. Jakob an der Sihl saw Zurich militia clash with rival Swiss cantons near the city gates.
The Battle of St. Jakob an der Sihl took place on 22 July 1443, amid the Old Zürich War pitting the canton of Zurich against the Swiss Confederation. Zurich’s forces, supported by former Habsburg allies, faced the combined troops of seven cantons near the Sihl river. Despite fierce resistance by Zurich militia within the city’s defenses, the Confederates secured victory. The conflict highlighted internal divisions over territories and loyalties among the Swiss cantons. The battle’s outcome forced Zurich to negotiate harsh terms and shaped the future unity of the Confederation.
1443 Battle of St. Jakob an der Sihl Old Zürich War
1456day.year

Ottoman wars in Europe: Siege of Belgrade: John Hunyadi, Regent of the Kingdom of Hungary, defeats Mehmet II of the Ottoman Empire.

In 1456, John Hunyadi’s forces lifted the Ottoman siege of Belgrade, dealing a significant defeat to Sultan Mehmet II.
The Siege of Belgrade on 22 July 1456 marked a pivotal defense of the Kingdom of Hungary against Ottoman expansion. Regent John Hunyadi organized a relief army that struck the besieging Ottoman forces led by Sultan Mehmet II. Using innovative fortifications, artillery, and a daring night sortie, the Hungarians broke the siege lines. The victory halted Ottoman advances into Central Europe for decades and boosted Christian morale. It also inspired Pope Callixtus III to institute the noon church bell ringing in commemoration.
1456 Ottoman wars in Europe Siege of Belgrade John Hunyadi Kingdom of Hungary Mehmet II Ottoman Empire
1484day.year

Battle of Lochmaben Fair: A 500-man raiding party led by Alexander Stewart, Duke of Albany and James Douglas, 9th Earl of Douglas are defeated by Scots forces loyal to Albany's brother James III of Scotland; Douglas is captured.

The Battle of Lochmaben Fair in 1484 saw Duke of Albany’s raiding force defeated by loyalist Scots, leading to the capture of James Douglas.
On 22 July 1484, supporters of Alexander Stewart, Duke of Albany, launched a surprise raid at the Lochmaben Fair in southern Scotland. The raiding party, including James Douglas, 9th Earl of Douglas, clashed with forces loyal to King James III. The loyalists quickly rallied and routed the invaders, capturing Douglas in the process. The defeat weakened Albany’s position and reinforced the king’s authority in the tumultuous Scottish nobility. This skirmish exemplified the power struggles that defined late 15th-century Scotland.
1484 Battle of Lochmaben Fair Alexander Stewart, Duke of Albany James Douglas, 9th Earl of Douglas James III of Scotland
1499day.year

Battle of Dornach: The Swiss decisively defeat the army of Maximilian I, Holy Roman Emperor.

At the Battle of Dornach in 1499, Swiss Confederates decisively defeated Emperor Maximilian I’s army, securing Swiss autonomy.
The Battle of Dornach, fought on 22 July 1499, concluded the Swabian War between the Swiss Confederacy and the forces of Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian I. Swiss pikemen and halberdiers exploited their mobility and knowledge of the terrain to rout the imperial troops near Dornach, Switzerland. The victory led to the Peace of Basel, which recognized Swiss autonomy from the Holy Roman Empire. This triumph established the reputation of Swiss infantry as Europe's elite and solidified a sense of national identity. It also marked a turning point in European power dynamics at the close of the 15th century.
1499 Battle of Dornach Swiss Maximilian I, Holy Roman Emperor
1587day.year

Roanoke Colony: A second group of English settlers arrives on Roanoke Island off North Carolina to re-establish the deserted colony.

In 1587, a second group of English settlers arrived on Roanoke Island in a bid to re-establish the vanished colony.
On 22 July 1587, under the leadership of Governor John White, a fleet of seven vessels delivered 115 colonists to Roanoke Island off the present-day coast of North Carolina. The settlement aimed to reinforce England’s claim to the New World and harvest local resources. However, Governor White’s return to England for supplies was delayed by war with Spain. When he finally returned in 1590, the colony had mysteriously vanished, leaving behind only the cryptic word 'Croatoan.' The fate of the 'Lost Colony' remains one of America’s enduring historical mysteries.
1587 Roanoke Colony Roanoke Island North Carolina
1594day.year

The Dutch city of Groningen defended by the Spanish and besieged by a Dutch and English army under Maurice of Orange, capitulates.

The city of Groningen capitulates to Maurice of Orange's besieging Dutch and English army after Spanish defenders withdraw.
In 1594, the strategic Dutch city of Groningen was under Spanish control during the Eighty Years' War. A combined Dutch and English force led by Maurice of Orange laid siege to the city to wrest control from the Spanish Habsburgs. After weeks of bombardment and trench warfare, breaches appeared in the city walls and the defenders endured severe shortages. The outnumbered Spanish garrison negotiated terms of surrender as food and ammunition ran critically low. Groningen's capitulation marked a key victory for the Dutch revolt and shifted momentum in favor of the United Provinces. The success enhanced Maurice's military reputation and brought the Dutch closer to securing their independence.
1594 Groningen Maurice of Orange
1598day.year

William Shakespeare's play, The Merchant of Venice, is entered on the Stationers' Register. By decree of Queen Elizabeth, the Stationers' Register licensed printed works, giving the Crown tight control over all published material.

William Shakespeare's play The Merchant of Venice is entered into the Stationers' Register under Queen Elizabeth's decree, tightening control over printed works.
On July 22, 1598, William Shakespeare's play The Merchant of Venice was first entered into the Stationers' Register in London. The Register served as a government-controlled ledger that licensed printed works and enforced early censorship. By mandating registration, Queen Elizabeth I's administration asserted strict oversight over publishing and information dissemination. This registration paved the way for the play's printing and wider distribution across England. The Merchant of Venice, a rich blend of comedy and drama, explores themes of mercy, justice, and cultural tension that continue to resonate with audiences today.
1598 William Shakespeare The Merchant of Venice Stationers' Register