August 17

Events

310day.year

Pope Eusebius dies, possibly from a hunger strike, shortly after being banished by the Emperor Maxentius to Sicily.

Pope Eusebius died shortly after being exiled to Sicily by Emperor Maxentius, reportedly as a result of a hunger strike.
Eusebius became pope in 309 during a period of intense conflict between the Church and the Roman Empire. He was exiled by Emperor Maxentius to Sicily in early 310, accused of refusing imperial authority. During his banishment, Eusebius is said to have undertaken a hunger strike to protest his treatment. His death in August 310 cut short his attempts to restore order within the Church. Despite his short reign, he left a legacy of steadfast resistance to secular interference. His martyr-like end was later remembered by Christians as a symbol of ecclesiastical independence and valor. Historical records remain sparse and sometimes contradictory. Nevertheless, his story highlights the perilous relationship between early popes and imperial power.
310 Pope Eusebius hunger strike Maxentius Sicily
682day.year

Pope Leo II begins his pontificate.

Pope Leo II began his pontificate in Rome, focusing on consolidating the decisions of the Third Council of Constantinople.
Leo II ascended to the papacy on August 17, 682, succeeding Pope Agatho. His brief pontificate lasted less than eight months but was marked by significant theological efforts. He confirmed the condemnations of monothelitism made at the Third Council of Constantinople. Leo also approved the acts of the Sixth Ecumenical Council, strengthening the orthodox position within both the Eastern and Western Churches. He worked to reconcile factions within Rome and improve relations with Constantinople. Leo’s early death in February 683 limited his capacity for broader reform. Nevertheless, his contributions to Church unity were later recognized by his successors. His feast day is observed on June 28 in the Catholic liturgical calendar.
682 Pope Leo II
986day.year

Byzantine–Bulgarian wars: Battle of the Gates of Trajan: The Bulgarians under the Comitopuli Samuel and Aron defeat the Byzantine forces at the Gate of Trajan, with Byzantine Emperor Basil II barely escaping.

In 986, the Bulgarians led by Samuel and Aron defeated Byzantine forces at the Gates of Trajan, nearly capturing Emperor Basil II.
In August 986, the Byzantine–Bulgarian wars reached a pivotal moment at the Gates of Trajan mountain pass. The Bulgarian commanders Samuel and his brother Aron orchestrated a decisive ambush against the advancing Byzantine army. The imperial forces, led by Emperor Basil II in person, were caught off guard within the narrow defile. The Bulgarians secured a resounding victory, inflicting heavy casualties and capturing many Byzantine soldiers. Basil II himself narrowly escaped with his life, marking one of his few defeats. This setback hindered Byzantine ambitions to subdue the Bulgarian state for several years. The triumph bolstered Samuel’s reputation as a formidable military leader. It also underscored the resilience of the Bulgarian Empire against its larger neighbor.
986 Byzantine–Bulgarian wars Battle of the Gates of Trajan Bulgarians Comitopuli Samuel Aron Byzantine Gate of Trajan Byzantine Emperor Basil II
1186day.year

Georgenberg Pact: Ottokar IV, Duke of Styria and Leopold V, Duke of Austria sign a heritage agreement in which Ottokar gives his duchy to Leopold and to his son Frederick under the stipulation that Austria and Styria would henceforth remain undivided.

Ottokar IV of Styria and Leopold V of Austria signed the Georgenberg Pact, ensuring their duchies would remain united under Leopold’s heirs.
In August 1186, Duke Ottokar IV of Styria and Duke Leopold V of Austria formalized the Georgenberg Pact. Under this heritage agreement, Ottokar transferred his duchy of Styria to Leopold and his son Frederick. The treaty stipulated that Austria and Styria would henceforth remain undivided under the Babenberg dynasty. This union strengthened regional stability in southeastern Germany and shifted the balance of power. It also paved the way for Austria’s emergence as a significant territorial principality in the Holy Roman Empire. The pact endured beyond the deaths of its original signatories, influencing Central European politics for decades. Historians view it as a foundational moment in the consolidation of Austrian lands. Its legacy persisted until the rise of the Habsburgs in the late Middle Ages.
1186 Georgenberg Pact Ottokar IV, Duke of Styria Leopold V, Duke of Austria Frederick
1386day.year

Karl Topia, the ruler of Princedom of Albania forges an alliance with the Republic of Venice, committing to participate in all wars of the Republic and receiving coastal protection against the Ottomans in return.

Karl Topia of Albania allied with Venice in a pact against Ottoman expansion, securing coastal protection and military support.
In 1386, Karl Topia, Prince of Albania, forged a crucial alliance with the Republic of Venice. Facing the growing threat of Ottoman incursions, he committed to support Venetian wars in exchange for maritime defense of his coastal territories. The agreement granted Venice key footholds along the Albanian Riviera while offering Topia protection against Ottoman sieges. This strategic partnership exemplified the complex diplomacy of Balkan principalities. It also allowed Venice to extend its commercial reach in the Adriatic Sea. Although the alliance provided temporary stability, it ultimately proved insufficient to halt Ottoman advances in the region. Nevertheless, the pact highlights the interplay between local rulers and maritime powers at the close of the 14th century. It set a precedent for later resistance efforts against Ottoman domination in the Balkans.
1386 Karl Topia Princedom of Albania Republic of Venice Ottomans
1424day.year

Hundred Years' War: Battle of Verneuil: An English force under John, Duke of Bedford defeats a larger French army under Jean II, Duke of Alençon, John Stewart, and Earl Archibald of Douglas.

At the Battle of Verneuil, English forces under the Duke of Bedford defeated a larger Franco-Scottish army during the Hundred Years’ War.
On August 17, 1424, the Battle of Verneuil unfolded in northern France as part of the Hundred Years’ War. English troops led by John, Duke of Bedford, faced a combined French and Scottish force commanded by Jean II of Alençon, John Stewart, and Archibald Douglas. Despite being outnumbered, the disciplined English longbowmen and men-at-arms held firm against repeated cavalry charges. The battle ended in a decisive English victory, inflicting heavy losses on the Franco-Scottish contingent. This triumph reinforced English dominance in northern France and secured the supply lines to Normandy. It also weakened the Scottish military presence on the continent. The crushing defeat humbled the French, delaying their efforts to reclaim occupied territories. Verneuil is often considered one of the last major English successes in the protracted conflict.
1424 Hundred Years' War Battle of Verneuil John, Duke of Bedford Jean II, Duke of Alençon John Stewart Earl Archibald of Douglas
1488day.year

Konrad Bitz, the Bishop of Turku, marks the date of his preface to Missale Aboense, the oldest known book of Finland.

Konrad Bitz, Bishop of Turku, dated his preface to the Missale Aboense, Finland’s oldest known printed book, marking a milestone in Finnish literature.
In 1488, Konrad Bitz, serving as Bishop of Turku, penned the preface to the Missale Aboense. This liturgical book is the oldest surviving printed work produced in Finland. Its publication signaled the spread of the printing press to the Nordic regions. The missal provided church services in Latin for the Diocese of Turku, reflecting the ecclesiastical needs of medieval Finland. Bitz’s preface includes theological reflections and dedicatory remarks to his clergy. The work is prized by historians for illuminating early Finnish bookmaking and religious practice. Only a few fragments of the original edition survive, making it a rare artifact. The Missale Aboense is celebrated as a cornerstone of Finnish cultural heritage.
1488 Konrad Bitz Bishop of Turku Missale Aboense Finland
1498day.year

Cesare Borgia, son of Pope Alexander VI, becomes the first person in history to resign the cardinalate; later that same day, King Louis XII of France names him Duke of Valentinois.

Cesare Borgia became the first person to resign the cardinalate before being granted the title Duke of Valentinois by King Louis XII.
On August 17, 1498, Cesare Borgia shocked Christendom by renouncing his position as a cardinal. He was the first man in history to voluntarily abandon the cardinalate. His resignation paved the way for his secular ambitions under his father, Pope Alexander VI. Later that day, King Louis XII of France bestowed upon him the ducal title of Valentinois. Cesare’s new status bolstered his political and military influence in Italy. This dual transformation from church prince to secular nobleman exemplified the era’s intertwining of papal and dynastic power. It also fueled controversy over nepotism and corruption within the Renaissance papacy. Cesare Borgia’s career thereafter inspired both admiration and fear among contemporaries.
1498 Cesare Borgia Pope Alexander VI cardinalate Louis XII of France Duke of Valentinois
1549day.year

Battle of Sampford Courtenay: The Prayer Book Rebellion is quashed in England.

The Battle of Sampford Courtenay saw government forces crush the Prayer Book Rebellion, ending the uprising against the English Book of Common Prayer.
In August 1549, discontent in southwestern England over the Book of Common Prayer culminated in open revolt known as the Prayer Book Rebellion. On August 17, royal troops confronted the insurgents at Sampford Courtenay in Devon. The government forces, better equipped and commanded, achieved a swift and brutal victory. Scores of rebels were killed in battle and many more executed afterward. This defeat crushed organized resistance to Protestant worship in the region. The harsh reprisals underscored the Tudor regime’s commitment to religious reform. The suppression of the rebellion marked a turning point in the English Reformation. It reinforced the authority of Edward VI’s government and the established Church of England.
1549 Battle of Sampford Courtenay Prayer Book Rebellion England
1560day.year

The Catholic Church is overthrown and Protestantism is established as the national religion in Scotland.

In 1560, the Scottish Parliament abolished papal authority and established Protestantism as the national religion of Scotland.
On August 17, 1560, the Scottish Parliament passed the Scots Confession, formally rejecting the authority of the Roman Catholic Church. The legislation abolished the jurisdiction of the Pope in Scotland and authorized the adoption of reformed worship. Protestant leaders like John Knox secured widespread support among the nobility and clergy. Catholic mass and ecclesiastical structures were dismantled across the country. This religious revolution aligned Scotland with the broader European Reformation. It also triggered social and political changes, diminishing French influence and strengthening ties with Protestant England. The establishment of Protestantism laid the foundation for the Church of Scotland. Religious uniformity became a central aspect of Scottish national identity.
1560 Catholic Church Protestantism established Scotland
1585day.year

Eighty Years' War: Siege of Antwerp: Antwerp is captured by Spanish forces under Alexander Farnese, Duke of Parma, who orders Protestants to leave the city and as a result over half of the 100,000 inhabitants flee to the northern provinces.

During the Eighty Years' War, Spanish forces under Alexander Farnese captured Antwerp and expelled its Protestant population.
On August 17, 1585, Spanish commander Alexander Farnese completed a decisive siege of Antwerp, one of the most prosperous cities in the Low Countries. Antwerp's well-fortified walls and strategic port had withstood previous attacks, but relentless bombardment and blockades ultimately forced its surrender. Farnese imposed harsh terms on the city, ordering all Protestant residents to leave within a short period. As a result, over half of Antwerp's estimated 100,000 inhabitants fled north to the emerging Dutch Republic. This mass exodus dramatically shifted the religious balance and economic fortunes of the region. The fall of Antwerp marked a turning point in the protracted conflict between the Habsburgs and Dutch rebels. In the aftermath, Amsterdam rose to prominence as European trade and cultural center, filling the void left by Antwerp's decline.
1585 Eighty Years' War Siege of Antwerp Antwerp Spanish Alexander Farnese, Duke of Parma Protestants northern provinces
1585day.year

A first group of colonists sent by Sir Walter Raleigh under the charge of Ralph Lane lands in the New World to create Roanoke Colony on Roanoke Island, off the coast of present-day North Carolina.

An expedition led by Ralph Lane landed on Roanoke Island, marking the first English attempt to establish a colony in North America.
On August 17, 1585, a group of English settlers under Ralph Lane arrived on Roanoke Island, off the coast of present-day North Carolina. Commissioned by Sir Walter Raleigh, the expedition aimed to establish England's first permanent colony in the New World. The colonists chose Roanoke Island for its natural defenses and abundant resources, hoping to find gold and cultivate new lands. Early interactions with indigenous Algonquian-speaking tribes provided vital intelligence about the region's flora and fauna. Despite initial optimism, the settlement struggled with supply shortages, disease, and harsh environmental conditions. Relations with local tribes were complex, alternating between cooperation and tension. The Roanoke Colony would later become famous for the mysterious disappearance of its inhabitants, earning it the moniker “The Lost Colony.”
Sir Walter Raleigh Ralph Lane New World Roanoke Colony Roanoke Island North Carolina