410day.year
The sacking of Rome by the Visigoths ends after three days.
In late August 410 AD, Visigothic forces led by King Alaric complete a three-day sack of Rome, marking a watershed in Western history.
In August of 410 AD, King Alaric and his Visigothic army breached Rome’s ancient walls and plundered the city’s temples, palaces, and markets. Over three brutal days, they looted treasures, burned buildings, and shook the world’s most renowned city. This was the first time in nearly eight centuries that Rome had fallen to a foreign army, signaling the fragility of the Western Roman Empire. The sack devastated the city’s population, disrupted trade, and sent shockwaves throughout Europe. When the Visigoths withdrew on August 27, they left behind a transformed capital and a shaken empire. Historians view this event as a pivotal moment that accelerated the decline of Rome and the transition to the medieval era.
410
sacking
Rome
Visigoths
1172day.year
Henry the Young King and Margaret of France are crowned junior king and queen of England.
On August 27, 1172, Henry the Young King and his wife, Margaret of France, are anointed as junior monarchs in England.
Henry the Young King, eldest son of Henry II of England, and Margaret of France, daughter of Louis VII, were ceremonially crowned as junior sovereigns at Winchester Cathedral. Though anointed, Henry held no independent power and remained under his father’s authority. The coronation was arranged to strengthen the Angevin alliance with France and secure the dynasty’s future. Margaret’s position tied England to the Capetian court, boosting diplomatic relations. The young couple’s joint coronation was more symbolic than political, setting a precedent for co-monarchy rituals. Despite the pomp, Henry’s later rebellion against his father and his premature death at thirty weakened the arrangement’s legacy.
1172
Henry the Young King
Margaret of France
1232day.year
Shikken Hojo Yasutoki of the Kamakura shogunate promulgates the Goseibai Shikimoku, the first Japanese legal code governing the samurai class.
Hojo Yasutoki issues the Goseibai Shikimoku in 1232, Japan’s inaugural legal code for the warrior class.
As regent (Shikken) of the Kamakura shogunate, Hojo Yasutoki compiled and promulgated the Goseibai Shikimoku on August 27, 1232. This concise legal code consisted of fifty articles outlining samurai conduct, dispute resolution, and land tenure rules. It aimed to bring order to the warrior class and clarify judicial procedures. Prior to its issuance, regional warriors often settled disputes by force, leading to unrest. The new code standardized penalties for theft, assault, and property disputes, strengthening central authority. Goseibai Shikimoku remained in effect for centuries and influenced subsequent Japanese legal traditions. Its emphasis on loyalty, honor, and pragmatic governance cemented the samurai’s role in medieval Japan.
1232
Shikken
Hojo Yasutoki
Kamakura shogunate
Goseibai Shikimoku
Japanese legal code
samurai
1353day.year
War of the Straits and Sardinian–Aragonese war: The Battle of Alghero results in a crushing victory of the allied Aragonese and Venetian fleet over the Genoese fleet, most of which is captured.
In 1353, allied Aragonese and Venetian navies defeat and capture most of the Genoese fleet at Alghero.
During the protracted War of the Straits, the allied Aragonese and Venetian fleet engaged the Republic of Genoa’s forces off the coast of Alghero in Sardinia. On August 27, 1353, superior coordination and firepower allowed the allies to rout the Genoese squadron. Over half of the enemy ships were seized, dealing a critical blow to Genoa’s Mediterranean dominance. The victory secured Sardinian waters for Aragon and strengthened Venetian trade routes. Genoa’s naval capabilities were temporarily crippled, forcing them to negotiate and rebuild. The battle demonstrated the growing importance of naval alliances and artillery in medieval maritime warfare. It also shifted the balance of power among Italy’s leading sea republics.
1353
War of the Straits
Sardinian–Aragonese war
Battle of Alghero
1557day.year
The Battle of St. Quentin results in Emmanuel Philibert becoming Duke of Savoy.
After the 1557 Battle of St. Quentin, Emmanuel Philibert secures his position as Duke of Savoy.
On August 27, 1557, the Battle of St. Quentin saw Spanish and English forces crush a French army near the town of Saint-Quentin. Emmanuel Philibert, commander of the Spanish troops and heir to the Duchy of Savoy, distinguished himself through strategic acumen. His leadership during the siege and field engagements earned him the gratitude of Emperor Charles V and King Philip II of Spain. The victory forced France to cede territories and acknowledge Savoyard claims. Shortly afterward, Emmanuel Philibert officially assumed the ducal title, restoring stability and prestige to his homeland. Under his rule, Savoy underwent military and administrative reforms that shaped its rise as a European principality.
1557
Battle of St. Quentin
Emmanuel Philibert
1593day.year
Pierre Barrière failed an attempt to assassinate Henry IV of France.
In 1593, Pierre Barrière makes a failed assassination attempt on King Henry IV of France.
Pierre Barrière, a disaffected French nobleman, sought to kill King Henry IV amid the turbulent Wars of Religion. On August 27, 1593, Barrière ambushed the monarch in Paris, stabbing at his coach with a concealed dagger. Henry IV survived with only minor injuries, thanks to his entourage’s swift response. Arrested on the spot, Barrière was tortured and executed within days. The attempt underscored lingering tensions between Catholics and the recently converted Protestant-turned-Catholic king. Henry used the episode to consolidate support, portraying himself as divinely protected. The failed plot deepened his resolve to pacify religious factions and reinforce royal authority across France.
1593
Pierre Barrière
Henry IV of France
1597day.year
Jeongyu War: Battle of Chilcheollyang: A Japanese fleet of 500 ships destroys Joseon commander Wŏn Kyun's fleet of 200 ships at Chilcheollyang.
During the 1597 Jeongyu War, a 500-ship Japanese fleet annihilates Wŏn Kyun’s 200-ship Joseon navy at Chilcheollyang.
On August 27, 1597, in the midst of Japan’s invasions of Korea, Admiral Wŏn Kyun led a Joseon fleet to intercept a large Japanese armada near Chilcheollyang Strait. Overwhelmed by superior firepower and tactics, the Korean ships were decimated, with most vessels sunk or captured. Survivors fled to nearby islands, leaving Korea’s southwestern coast vulnerable to further incursions. The decisive Japanese victory underscored deficiencies in Joseon naval command and readiness. It prompted the appointment of Admiral Yi Sun-sin, whose later victories would restore Korean maritime defense. The battle remains a stark example of the critical role of leadership and technology in naval warfare.
1597
Jeongyu War
Battle of Chilcheollyang
Joseon
Wŏn Kyun
1600day.year
Ishida Mitsunari's Western Army commences the Siege of Fushimi Castle, which is lightly defended by a much smaller Tokugawa garrison led by Torii Mototada.
On August 27, 1600, Ishida Mitsunari begins the Siege of Fushimi Castle against Torii Mototada’s small Tokugawa garrison.
As part of the prelude to the decisive Battle of Sekigahara, Ishida Mitsunari’s Western Army surrounded Fushimi Castle on August 27, 1600. The fortress was held by Torii Mototada and a loyal Tokugawa force of just over a thousand men. Despite being heavily outnumbered, Torii and his samurai mounted fierce resistance, inflicting significant casualties on the besiegers. Their stand delayed Ishida’s advance by several days, allowing Tokugawa Ieyasu to consolidate forces elsewhere. Ultimately the castle fell after a valiant defense, and Torii Mototada chose death over surrender, becoming a celebrated paragon of loyalty. His sacrifice is credited with tipping the strategic balance in favor of the Tokugawa clan.
1600
Ishida Mitsunari
Siege of Fushimi Castle
Tokugawa
Torii Mototada
1689day.year
The Treaty of Nerchinsk is signed by Russia and the Qing Empire (Julian calendar).
In 1689, Russia and Qing China sign the Treaty of Nerchinsk, defining borders and opening trade.
Negotiated at Nerchinsk amid tensions over Siberian frontiers, the 1689 treaty marked the first formal agreement between Russia and the Qing Empire. Russian envoy Sava Vladislavich and Qing officials resolved disputes over the Amur River basin, setting the border along the Argun and Stanovoy ranges. The accord granted Russian merchants access to caravan routes through Beijing, fostering bilateral trade. Unlike many unequal treaties of later centuries, both empires made concessions, reflecting mutual respect. The treaty stabilized the Far East for decades and laid groundwork for future Sino-Russian relations. It also demonstrated the Qing court’s diplomatic acumen in managing frontier challenges.
1689
Treaty of Nerchinsk
Russia
Qing Empire
Julian calendar
1776day.year
American Revolutionary War: Members of the 1st Maryland Regiment repeatedly charged a numerically superior British force during the Battle of Long Island, allowing General Washington and the rest of the American troops to escape.
During the Battle of Long Island on August 27, 1776, the 1st Maryland Regiment’s brave charges cover Washington’s retreat.
Facing a large British force on Long Island, the fledgling Continental Army risked encirclement in late August 1776. The 1st Maryland Regiment, later nicknamed the “Maryland 400,” launched repeated counter-charges against advancing British troops. Their fierce attacks slowed the enemy and created a corridor for General Washington and his men to withdraw to safety. Despite suffering heavy casualties—only a fraction survived—their sacrifice ensured the Continental Army lived to fight another day. This action is remembered as a defining moment of valor and discipline under fire. It bolstered American morale and underscored the determination that would ultimately secure independence.
1776
1st Maryland Regiment
Battle of Long Island
General Washington
1791day.year
French Revolution: Frederick William II of Prussia and Leopold II, Holy Roman Emperor, issue the Declaration of Pillnitz, declaring the joint support of the Holy Roman Empire and Prussia for the French monarchy, agitating the French revolutionaries and contributing to the outbreak of the War of the First Coalition.
In 1791, Prussia and the Holy Roman Empire issued the Declaration of Pillnitz to support the embattled French monarchy and heighten tensions during the French Revolution.
On August 27, 1791, Emperor Leopold II and King Frederick William II signed the Declaration of Pillnitz.
The document threatened military intervention to restore King Louis XVI’s authority.
It expressed shared support from the Habsburgs and Prussia for the French crown.
French revolutionaries saw it as a direct threat to their uprising.
Its publication increased distrust and fanatical fervor among radicals.
The Declaration contributed to the outbreak of the War of the First Coalition in 1792.
1791
French Revolution
Frederick William II of Prussia
Leopold II, Holy Roman Emperor
Declaration of Pillnitz
Holy Roman Empire
Prussia
French monarchy
War of the First Coalition
1793day.year
French Revolutionary Wars: The city of Toulon revolts against the French Republic and admits the British and Spanish fleets to seize its port, leading to the Siege of Toulon by French Revolutionary forces.
In 1793, the city of Toulon rebelled against the French Republic and invited British and Spanish fleets, triggering the Siege of Toulon.
On August 27, 1793, royalist forces in Toulon revolted against the revolutionary government.
They opened the port to British and Spanish ships seeking to establish a foothold in France.
French Republican forces under General Carteaux and a young artillery officer named Napoleon Bonaparte laid siege.
The siege marked one of Napoleon’s early military successes.
After several weeks, Republican troops recaptured Toulon, expelling the allied fleets.
The fall of Toulon bolstered the Republic’s position and elevated Napoleon’s reputation.
1793
French Revolutionary Wars
Toulon
French Republic
its port
Siege of Toulon
French Revolutionary forces