August 26

Events - Wars & Conflicts

683day.year

Yazid I's army kills 11,000 people of Medina including notable Sahabas in Battle of al-Harrah.

In 683, Yazid I's forces captured Medina in the Battle of al-Harrah, resulting in a massacre of around 11,000 people, including revered Sahabas.
During the Second Fitna in 683, Caliph Yazid I marched on the holy city of Medina in an effort to suppress opposition to his rule. The Battle of al-Harrah culminated in the loss of nearly 11,000 lives, with many respected companions of the Prophet Muhammad among the casualties. The Medinese defenders, driven by religious conviction, put up fierce resistance but were ultimately overwhelmed by Yazid's larger force. The aftermath saw widespread looting and desecration of the city, deeply wounding the sanctity of the heartland of Islam. This event marked a significant rupture in early Islamic unity and fueled further rebellions against Umayyad authority. The brutality of the raid left a lasting legacy in Islamic historical memory.
683 Yazid I Medina Sahabas Battle of al-Harrah
1071day.year

The Seljuq Turks defeat the Byzantine army at the Battle of Manzikert, and soon gain control of most of Anatolia.

In 1071, the Seljuq Turks decisively defeated the Byzantine army at the Battle of Manzikert, opening Anatolia to Turkic settlement.
The Battle of Manzikert took place on August 26, 1071, between the Byzantine army led by Emperor Romanos IV Diogenes and the Seljuq Turks under Sultan Alp Arslan. Despite possessing a well-trained force, the Byzantines suffered from poor coordination and alleged betrayal among their ranks. Alp Arslan's strategic acumen led to a crushing victory that shattered Byzantine dominance in Anatolia. The defeat undermined the empire's military strength and political authority, triggering internal strife. In the decades that followed, waves of Turkic tribes migrated into Anatolia, transforming the region's demographic and cultural landscape. Manzikert thus stands as a key turning point in medieval Middle Eastern history.
1071 Seljuq Turks Byzantine army Battle of Manzikert Anatolia
1278day.year

Ladislaus IV of Hungary and Rudolf I of Germany defeat Ottokar II of Bohemia in the Battle on the Marchfeld near Dürnkrut in (then) Moravia.

In 1278, Ladislaus IV of Hungary and Rudolf I of Germany defeated Ottokar II of Bohemia at the Battle on the Marchfeld, altering Central European politics.
The Battle on the Marchfeld was fought on August 26, 1278, as part of a contest for regional supremacy. King Ladislaus IV of Hungary joined forces with King Rudolf I of Germany against Ottokar II of Bohemia, who had expanded his territories. The encounter near Dürnkrut ended in a decisive victory for the Hungarian-German coalition, resulting in Ottokar's death on the battlefield. Following the battle, Rudolf I leveraged the victory to secure Austrian and Moravian lands for the nascent Habsburg dynasty. This event marked the beginning of Habsburg ascendency in Central Europe and reshaped dynastic politics for centuries. The outcome curtailed Bohemian influence and firmly established the Habsburgs as a major European power.
1278 Ladislaus IV of Hungary Rudolf I of Germany Ottokar II of Bohemia Battle on the Marchfeld Dürnkrut Moravia
1303day.year

Chittorgarh falls to the Delhi Sultanate.

In 1303, Sultan Alauddin Khalji of the Delhi Sultanate captured the fortress of Chittorgarh in Rajasthan, ending its status as a Rajput stronghold.
Chittorgarh was a symbol of Rajput resistance in western India, ruled by the Sisodia clan. In the spring of 1303, Sultan Alauddin Khalji launched a determined siege to expand the Delhi Sultanate's dominion. Despite heroic defense by the Rajput garrison, superior artillery and numbers tipped the balance in favor of the Sultanate. After weeks of bombardment and trench warfare, the fortress walls were breached on August 26. The fall of Chittorgarh led to the capture of its ruler and consolidated Khalji's control over Rajasthan. The event reinforced the military reputation of the Delhi Sultanate and entered Rajput lore as a tale of valor and sacrifice.
1303 Chittorgarh falls
1346day.year

At the Battle of Crécy, an English army easily defeats a French one twice its size.

In 1346, an English force led by Edward III overwhelmed a larger French army at the Battle of Crécy, showcasing the power of the longbow.
The Battle of Crécy took place on August 26, 1346, during the early phase of the Hundred Years' War between England and France. King Edward III of England positioned his troops on a hillside, using longbowmen to devastating effect against charging French knights. A combination of disciplined English formations, muddy terrain, and heavy rain disrupted the traditional French cavalry assault. King Philip VI's forces suffered severe casualties, including many nobles, while English losses were comparatively light. Crécy demonstrated a shift in medieval warfare tactics, emphasizing ranged weaponry and defensive strategy. The victory bolstered English morale and paved the way for further campaigns on French soil.
1346 Battle of Crécy
1444day.year

Battle of St. Jakob an der Birs: A vastly outnumbered force of Swiss Confederates is defeated by the Dauphin Louis (future Louis XI of France) and his army of 'Armagnacs' near Basel.

On August 26, 1444, a small Swiss force fought bravely but was defeated by the Dauphin Louis's army at the Battle of St. Jakob an der Birs near Basel.
The Battle of St. Jakob an der Birs occurred during the Old Zürich War when Swiss Confederates clashed with a larger army led by the future King Louis XI of France, known then as the Dauphin Louis. Approximately 1,600 Swiss soldiers took position along the Birs River to halt the advance of Armagnac mercenaries. Though vastly outnumbered, the Swiss inflicted heavy losses before being overwhelmed. The ferocity of the Swiss defense impressed European observers and highlighted their reputation for military discipline and courage. While a tactical defeat, the battle strengthened Swiss cohesion and deterred further foreign incursions into their territory. In the aftermath, diplomatic negotiations helped bring an end to the conflict and shaped the future of Swiss neutrality.
1444 Battle of St. Jakob an der Birs Louis XI of France Basel
1642day.year

Dutch–Portuguese War: Second Battle of San Salvador: The Dutch force the Spanish garrison at San Salvador (modern day Keelung, Taiwan) to surrender, ending the short-lived Spanish colony on Formosa and replacing it with a new Dutch administration.

On August 26, 1642, Dutch forces compelled the Spanish garrison at San Salvador (modern Keelung, Taiwan) to surrender, ending Spain's colonial presence on Formosa.
During the Dutch–Portuguese War, the Dutch East India Company sought to seize strategic ports in Asia from the Iberian powers. In 1642, a Dutch armada attacked the Spanish fortifications at San Salvador, located at modern-day Keelung in northern Taiwan. After a naval blockade and artillery bombardment, the isolated Spanish garrison capitulated. The fall of San Salvador terminated the short-lived Spanish colony on Formosa. The Dutch established their own administration, using Taiwan as a base for trade and regional expansion. This event exemplified the intense competition among European powers for control of Asian maritime routes in the 17th century.
1642 Dutch–Portuguese War Second Battle of San Salvador Keelung Taiwan Spanish colony on Formosa a new Dutch administration
1813day.year

War of the Sixth Coalition: An impromptu battle takes place when French and Prussian-Russian forces accidentally run into each other near Liegnitz, Prussia (now Legnica, Poland).

An unexpected engagement unfolds near Liegnitz between French and Allied Prussian-Russian troops during the War of the Sixth Coalition in 1813.
On August 26, 1813, French forces under Marshal MacDonald and Allied Prussian-Russian units encountered each other by chance near Liegnitz, then in Prussia (now Legnica, Poland). The impromptu battle quickly escalated as cavalry charges and artillery exchanges erupted on both sides. Despite the lack of formal planning, the Allies managed to hold their ground until reinforcements arrived. This spontaneous clash foreshadowed the larger Battle of Liegnitz that would occur days later. The skirmish highlighted the chaotic nature of coalition warfare against Napoleon. It also demonstrated the resilience of the Allied armies, boosting morale before their decisive engagements.
1813 War of the Sixth Coalition impromptu battle Liegnitz
1814day.year

Chilean War of Independence: Infighting between the rebel forces of José Miguel Carrera and Bernardo O'Higgins erupts in the Battle of Las Tres Acequias.

In 1814, rival Chilean patriot leaders José Miguel Carrera and Bernardo O'Higgins clash at the Battle of Las Tres Acequias during the War of Independence.
On August 26, 1814, tensions between José Miguel Carrera and Bernardo O'Higgins culminated in the Battle of Las Tres Acequias near Santiago. The confrontation between opposing patriot factions weakened the rebel cause against Spanish royalist forces. Carrera’s troops were forced to retreat, allowing O'Higgins to consolidate power in the burgeoning Chilean Republic. The infighting exposed deep divisions within the independence movement and delayed further operations. Despite the internal conflict, Chilean patriots eventually regrouped and secured independence two years later. The battle remains a poignant example of how leadership struggles can impact revolutionary endeavors.
1814 Chilean War of Independence José Miguel Carrera Bernardo O'Higgins Battle of Las Tres Acequias
1914day.year

World War I: The German colony of Togoland surrenders to French and British forces after a 20-day campaign. Togoland is the first German colony to fall to Allied hands in World War I.

Togoland became the first German colony to surrender to Allied forces after a swift 20-day campaign in World War I.
On August 26, 1914, the German protectorate of Togoland capitulated to joint French and British forces, ending a rapid 20-day military campaign. The invasion, launched from neighboring British Gold Coast and French Dahomey, aimed to secure wireless stations and strategic positions in West Africa. Togoland's surrender marked the first loss of a German colony in World War I, boosting Allied morale early in the conflict. The peaceful transition of power was notable compared to later brutal colonial campaigns. Togoland then served under Allied administration until the war's end, marking a new chapter in the colony's governance.
1914 World War I colony Togoland 20-day campaign
1914day.year

World War I: During the retreat from Mons, the British II Corps commanded by General Sir Horace Smith-Dorrien fights a vigorous and successful defensive action at Le Cateau.

During the retreat from Mons in World War I, British II Corps under General Sir Horace Smith-Dorrien held a resolute defense at Le Cateau.
On August 26, 1914, amid the Great Retreat from Mons, the British II Corps, commanded by General Sir Horace Smith-Dorrien, executed a fierce rear-guard action at the village of Le Cateau. Facing overwhelming German forces, the corps formed defensive lines and delivered disciplined artillery and infantry fire to slow the enemy advance. Despite heavy casualties, their stand allowed the main British Expeditionary Force to withdraw in better order. The battle demonstrated the British Army's resilience and tactical skill under pressure. Le Cateau became a symbol of determined resistance during the early, challenging days of World War I.
Mons Sir Horace Smith-Dorrien Le Cateau
1922day.year

Greco-Turkish War (1919–22): Turkish army launched what has come to be known to the Turks as the Great Offensive (Büyük Taarruz). The major Greek defense positions were overrun.

Turkish forces launched the decisive Great Offensive (Büyük Taarruz) in the Greco-Turkish War, breaching major Greek defense lines.
On August 26, 1922, the Turkish National Army commenced the Great Offensive, known in Turkish as Büyük Taarruz, against Greek positions in western Anatolia. Commanded by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the operation combined concentrated artillery barrages and infantry assaults to break through entrenched Greek defenses. The rapid breakthrough forced a hasty Greek retreat, signaling the collapse of the Greek campaign in Asia Minor. This decisive success paved the way for the Armistice of Mudanya and the end of the Greco-Turkish War. The Great Offensive established the military foundation for the eventual proclamation of the Republic of Turkey.
1922 Greco-Turkish War (1919–22) Great Offensive