301day.year
San Marino, one of the smallest nations in the world and the world's oldest republic still in existence, is founded by Saint Marinus.
San Marino, the world's oldest republic, was founded by Saint Marinus in AD 301 on Mount Titano.
In AD 301, Saint Marinus founded a small Christian community on Mount Titano that would become San Marino. Fleeing persecution, Marinus and his followers established a free republic governed by consuls. Over the centuries, San Marino maintained its independence through diplomacy and strategic alliances. Its uninterrupted republican constitution has endured through Napoleon’s conquests and both World Wars. Today, it stands as the world’s oldest surviving republic and a symbol of enduring sovereignty.
301
San Marino
smallest nations in the world
republic
Saint Marinus
590day.year
Consecration of Pope Gregory I (Gregory the Great).
Pope Gregory I, known as Gregory the Great, was consecrated in 590, beginning a transformative papacy.
In 590, Gregory I was consecrated as Pope Gregory the Great and began one of the most influential papacies in history. He instituted major liturgical reforms that later inspired the term Gregorian Chant. Gregory restructured the administration of the Church and strengthened the papal states. He launched missionary efforts to convert the Anglo-Saxons and wrote theological works such as the Dialogues. His leadership during crises like the Lombard invasions solidified the Pope’s role as both a spiritual and temporal authority.
590
Pope Gregory I
1189day.year
Richard I of England (a.k.a. Richard "the Lionheart") is crowned at Westminster.
Richard the Lionheart was crowned King of England at Westminster Abbey in 1189.
In 1189, Richard I of England, later known as Richard the Lionheart, was crowned at Westminster Abbey. The young king seized the opportunity to secure loyalty from the nobility ahead of the Third Crusade. His coronation ceremony was marked by lavish pageantry and oaths of fealty. Richard’s reputation as a warrior-king was cemented soon after by his exploits in the Holy Land. The event set the stage for his legendary military campaigns and enduring legacy.
1189
Richard I of England
Westminster
1335day.year
At the congress of Visegrád Charles I of Hungary mediates a reconciliation between two neighboring monarchs, John of Bohemia and Casimir III of Poland.
The 1335 Congress of Visegrád saw Charles I of Hungary broker peace between Bohemia and Poland.
In 1335, the Congress of Visegrád brought together Charles I of Hungary, John of Bohemia, and Casimir III of Poland to negotiate peace and cooperation. The diplomatic meeting aimed to resolve border disputes and strengthen trade routes across Central Europe. Under Charles’s mediation, the monarchs agreed to mutual support and non-aggression. The congress fostered stability in the region and laid groundwork for future alliances. It is seen as an early example of successful multilateral diplomacy in medieval Europe.
1335
Charles I of Hungary
John of Bohemia
Casimir III of Poland
1411day.year
The Treaty of Selymbria is concluded between the Ottoman Empire and the Republic of Venice.
The 1411 Treaty of Selymbria between Venice and the Ottomans established a temporary peace and trade terms.
In 1411, the Treaty of Selymbria was signed between the Ottoman Empire and the Republic of Venice to establish peace and define territorial boundaries. Negotiations in Selymbria (modern Silivri) followed years of frontier skirmishes and shifting alliances. The agreement granted Venice limited trading rights in Ottoman ports and secured a temporary cessation of hostilities. It represented a pragmatic compromise that balanced Venetian maritime interests with Ottoman expansion. The treaty exemplified the evolving diplomatic relations between a rising empire and a major maritime power.
1411
Treaty of Selymbria
Ottoman Empire
Republic of Venice
1658day.year
The death of Oliver Cromwell; Richard Cromwell becomes Lord Protector of England.
Oliver Cromwell dies and is succeeded by his son Richard as Lord Protector.
On 3 September 1658, Oliver Cromwell, the Lord Protector of the Commonwealth of England, Scotland, and Ireland, died at Whitehall Palace at age 59. His passing brought an end to his strong central leadership. The late Protector’s son, Richard Cromwell, was named as his successor. Lacking his father’s authority, Richard struggled to maintain control over Parliament and the army. Political factions grew restless, setting the stage for the eventual Restoration of the monarchy in 1660. The transition highlighted the fragile nature of the republican experiment in England.
1658
Oliver Cromwell
Richard Cromwell
Lord Protector
1783day.year
American Revolutionary War: The war ends with the signing of the Treaty of Paris by the United States and the Kingdom of Great Britain.
The Treaty of Paris is signed, formally ending the American Revolutionary War.
On 3 September 1783, representatives of the United States and the Kingdom of Great Britain signed the Treaty of Paris, officially concluding the American Revolutionary War. The agreement recognized American independence and established borders extending to the Mississippi River. It also granted American fishermen rights off Newfoundland and resolved debts. Negotiations reflected strategic interests on both sides after years of conflict. The treaty set the stage for westward expansion. It remains a foundational moment in U.S. diplomacy and international law.
1783
Treaty of Paris
Kingdom of Great Britain
1843day.year
King Otto of Greece is forced to grant a constitution following an uprising in Athens.
An Athenian uprising compels King Otto to establish a constitution.
On 3 September 1843, Greek military officers and civilians led a peaceful uprising in Athens demanding a constitution from King Otto. Faced with mounting pressure, Otto agreed to their demands and promulgated the Constitution of 1844, ending his absolute rule. The new charter established a constitutional monarchy with elected legislative bodies. This milestone marked the beginning of modern Greek democratic governance. The event is celebrated in Greece as 'Law Day.' It set a precedent for constitutional rule and civil rights in the newly independent nation.
1843
King Otto of Greece
constitution
uprising
1914day.year
William, Prince of Albania leaves the country after just six months due to opposition to his rule.
Prince William of Wied abdicates as ruler of Albania after just six months in power in 1914.
In March 1914, Prince William of Wied was installed as ruler of the newly independent Albania under Great Power auspices.
His Western ties and unfamiliar governance style faced resistance from Muslim and Orthodox factions.
A series of revolts and civil unrest undermined his authority throughout the summer.
On September 3, factions forced him to abandon his palace and seek refuge on a Greek warship.
His departure marked the collapse of early attempts at a constitutional monarchy in Albania.
The power vacuum contributed to the broader instability that preceded World War I in the Balkans.
1914
William, Prince of Albania
1971day.year
Qatar becomes an independent state.
Qatar declares its independence, emerging as a sovereign state on the Arabian Peninsula.
On September 3, 1971, the State of Qatar gains full independence from the United Kingdom, ending its status as a British protectorate. Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad Al Thani assumes leadership, laying the groundwork for modernization and development. Vast oil and natural gas reserves soon drive rapid economic growth and infrastructure expansion. Qatar joins the Arab League and the United Nations, establishing itself in global diplomacy. Independence allows the country to craft an autonomous foreign policy and invest heavily in education, health, and sports. Over subsequent decades, Doha evolves into a major international hub for finance, media, and cultural events.
1971
Qatar
1981day.year
The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, an international bill of rights for women, is instituted by the United Nations.
The United Nations adopts the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW).
On September 3, 1981, the United Nations formally institutes CEDAW, often described as an international bill of rights for women. The treaty obliges signatory states to eliminate legal, economic, and social barriers to women's equality. It addresses issues such as education, employment, healthcare, and political participation. Member countries commit to abolish discriminatory laws and practices undermining women's rights. Over 180 nations eventually ratify CEDAW, making it a cornerstone of global gender equality efforts. The convention serves as a benchmark for legal reforms and advocacy campaigns worldwide.
1981
Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women
bill of rights
United Nations
1987day.year
In a coup d'état in Burundi, President Jean-Baptiste Bagaza is deposed by Major Pierre Buyoya.
Major Pierre Buyoya leads a coup that deposes President Jean-Baptiste Bagaza in Burundi.
On September 3, 1987, Major Pierre Buyoya overthrows President Jean-Baptiste Bagaza in a military coup in Burundi. The takeover follows widespread discontent with Bagaza's authoritarian governance and economic challenges. Buyoya declares martial law, suspends the constitution, and promises political reforms to restore stability. The coup leaders aim to address deep-rooted ethnic tensions between the Hutu and Tutsi populations. The international community reacts with cautious calls for a swift return to civilian rule. Buyoya's subsequent presidency will navigate civil unrest and early peace negotiations, shaping Burundi's late 20th-century trajectory.
1987
coup d'état in Burundi
Jean-Baptiste Bagaza
Pierre Buyoya