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
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
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
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
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
1798day.year
Wolfe Tone's United Irish and French forces clash with the British Army in the Battle of Castlebar, part of the Irish Rebellion of 1798, resulting in the creation of the French puppet Republic of Connacht.
In 1798, United Irishmen and French forces defeated the British at the Battle of Castlebar, establishing the short-lived Republic of Connacht.
On August 27, 1798, forces led by French General Jean Humbert and Irish rebel Wolfe Tone surprised British troops at Castlebar.
The lightly defended British garrison was overwhelmed in a swift engagement dubbed the “Castlebar Races.”
Following their victory, the rebels proclaimed the Republic of Connacht, a French-backed Irish state.
The new republic granted civil liberties and religious freedom, inspiring Irish nationalists.
However, the fledgling state collapsed within weeks as British forces regrouped.
The battle remains a symbol of Irish resistance and Franco-Irish cooperation.
1798
Wolfe Tone
United Irish
French forces
British Army
Battle of Castlebar
Irish Rebellion of 1798
French puppet
Republic of Connacht
1810day.year
Napoleonic Wars: The French Navy defeats the British Royal Navy, preventing them from taking the harbour of Grand Port on Île de France.
In 1810, during the Napoleonic Wars, the French navy repelled a British attempt to seize Grand Port on Île de France (modern Mauritius).
On August 27, 1810, French naval forces based in Isle de France repelled a British squadron at Grand Port.
The French ships used local knowledge and coastal defenses to outmaneuver the attackers.
Several British vessels ran aground and were captured or destroyed.
The victory gave the French control of a key Indian Ocean base and disrupted British supply lines.
Despite this success, Isle de France fell to the British later that year, ending French naval dominance in the region.
The battle remains celebrated in France as one of the rare naval victories against the Royal Navy.
1810
Napoleonic Wars
defeats
Grand Port
Île de France
1813day.year
French Emperor Napoleon I defeats a larger force of Austrians, Russians, and Prussians at the Battle of Dresden.
In 1813, Napoleon secured a decisive victory against Austrian, Russian, and Prussian forces at the Battle of Dresden.
On August 27, 1813, Napoleon’s army engaged a coalition force outside Dresden, Saxony.
Outnumbered, the French emperor employed skillful maneuvers and central reserves to strike the enemy flanks.
Heavy rains and flooded terrain hindered coalition movements, aiding the French defense.
The battle ended with over 30,000 casualties and forced the Allies to retreat.
Napoleon’s triumph at Dresden briefly stalled the advancing Sixth Coalition.
However, the victory was followed by defeats elsewhere, leading to his eventual downfall.
1813
Napoleon I
Austrians
Russians
Prussians
Battle of Dresden
1832day.year
Black Hawk, leader of the Sauk tribe of Native Americans, surrenders to U.S. authorities, ending the Black Hawk War.
In 1832, Black Hawk, leader of the Sauk, surrendered to U.S. forces, concluding the Black Hawk War.
On August 27, 1832, Chief Black Hawk surrendered to U.S. officials near Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin.
The defeat followed a series of skirmishes between Sauk warriors and American militia.
Black Hawk had led his people back into Illinois to reclaim ancestral lands, sparking conflict.
The U.S. victory ended major Native American resistance in the Old Northwest.
Black Hawk’s capture marked the decline of Indigenous autonomy in the region.
The aftermath led to widespread land cessions and reshaped U.S. westward expansion.
1832
Black Hawk
Sauk
Black Hawk War
1895day.year
Japanese invasion of Taiwan: Battle of Baguashan: The Empire of Japan decisively defeats a smaller Formosan army at Changhua, crippling the short-lived Republic of Formosa and leading to its surrender two months later.
During the 1895 Japanese invasion of Taiwan, the Battle of Baguashan saw Imperial Japanese forces crush Formosan defenders at Changhua, leading to the collapse of the Republic of Formosa two months later.
In late August 1895, Japan sought to assert control over Taiwan following the First Sino-Japanese War. At Baguashan near Changhua, Japanese forces engaged a smaller Formosan army defending the short-lived Republic of Formosa. The well-coordinated Japanese assault quickly overwhelmed the defenders, inflicting significant casualties and seizing strategic positions. The crushing defeat undermined Formosan resistance and destabilized the provisional government. Two months later, with its military capacity crippled, the Republic of Formosa surrendered, ushering in five decades of Japanese colonial rule. This battle exemplified the broader imperial dynamics of East Asia at the turn of the century.
1895
Japanese invasion of Taiwan
Battle of Baguashan
Empire of Japan
Formosan
Changhua
Republic of Formosa