September 12
Overview
Holidays & Observances
Christianfeast day:
Ailbe (Elvis, Eilfyw) of Emly, Ebontius, Guy of Anderlecht, The Most Holy Name of the Blessed Virgin Mary, John Henry Hobart(Episcopal Church (USA)), Laisrén mac Nad Froích, Sacerdos of Lyon, September 12 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)
A day to honor the feast days of several Christian saints and the Most Holy Name of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Commemoration of the mass hanging of theSaint Patrick's Battalion(Mexico)
Remembers the mass execution of the Saint Patrick’s Battalion soldiers who fought alongside Mexico during the Mexican–American War.
Day of Conception(Russia)
A lighthearted observance in Russia encouraging families to celebrate conception and future parenthood.
Defenders Day(Maryland, United States)
Maryland’s state holiday commemorating the successful defense of Baltimore in the War of 1812.
Enkutatashfalls on this day if it is a leap year. Celebrated on the first day ofMäskäräm. (Ethiopia,Eritrea,Rastafari)
Ethiopian New Year festival celebrated on the first day of Mäskäräm in leap years, marking renewal and blessings.
Nayrouz(Coptic Orthodox Church) (leap years only, September 11 on normal years)
Coptic Orthodox celebration of the liturgical New Year, honoring martyrs and saints.
National Day(Cape Verde)
Commemorates the adoption of Cape Verde’s national flag on September 12, 1992.
National Day of Encouragement(United States)
A day dedicated to lifting spirits by offering words of encouragement and positivity.
Saragarhi Day(Sikhism)
Honors the bravery of 21 Sikh soldiers who fought at the Battle of Saragarhi in 1897.
Events
Battle of Marathon: The conventionally accepted date for the Battle of Marathon. The Athenians and their Plataean allies defeat the first Persian invasion force of Greece.
The Athenians and Plataeans defeat the Persian invasion force at the Battle of Marathon, marking a pivotal moment in Greek history.
Sixteen Kingdoms: Sima Yao, age 10, succeeds his father Emperor Jianwen as Emperor Xiaowu of the Eastern Jin dynasty.
At the age of ten, Sima Yao ascends the throne as Emperor Xiaowu of the Eastern Jin dynasty amid political upheaval.
Albigensian Crusade: Simon de Montfort, 5th Earl of Leicester, defeats Peter II of Aragon at the Battle of Muret.
Simon de Montfort secures a decisive victory over Peter II of Aragon at the Battle of Muret during the Albigensian Crusade.
Battle of Portopí: The Aragonese army under the command of James I of Aragon disembarks at Santa Ponça, Mallorca, with the purpose of conquering the island.
James I of Aragon lands his forces on Mallorca, initiating the Battle of Portopí in the campaign to conquer the island.
The Treaty of Alcañices, mediated by the pope, between the king Denis of Portugal and king Ferdinand IV of Castile defines the border between the two countries and establishes an alliance of friendship.
Portugal and Castile formalize their border and friendship through the Treaty of Alcañices, mediated by the pope.
The First siege of Gibraltar takes place in the context of the Spanish Reconquista pitting the forces of the Kingdom of Castile against the Emirate of Granada resulting in a Castilian victory.
Castilian forces lay siege to Gibraltar, achieving victory over the Emirate of Granada in the early phase of the Reconquista.
Henry Hudson begins his exploration of the Hudson River while aboard the Halve Maen.
Explorer Henry Hudson sails the Halve Maen and begins charting the river that will bear his name.
A gunpowder factory explodes in Valletta, Malta, killing 22 people and damaging several buildings.
A devastating explosion at a Valletta gunpowder factory kills 22 people and damages multiple buildings.
Austro-Ottoman War: Battle of Vienna: Several European armies join forces to defeat the Ottoman Empire.
European armies unite to lift the Ottoman siege of Vienna, turning the tide of the Austro-Ottoman War.
Births
John Mowbray
English nobleman and military leader during the Wars of the Roses.
King of France known for his patronage of Renaissance arts and strengthening of royal authority.
María de Zayas
Spanish Golden Age writer celebrated for her early feminist novellas and social critique.
William Dugdale
English antiquarian and historian known for foundational county histories and genealogical research.
Peter Dens
Flemish theologian and academic renowned for his comprehensive works on Catholic doctrine.
Hsinbyushin
Third king of Burma's Konbaung Dynasty known for successful military conquests against Siam.
Mary Bosanquet Fletcher
Pioneering Methodist preacher and philanthropist who championed women's roles in ministry.
Johann Heinrich Jung
German writer and educator known for his spiritual autobiography and contributions to pietism.
Benjamin Carr
English-American composer and publisher who shaped early American musical culture.
Deaths
Sak Kʼukʼ
Sak Kʼukʼ was a Maya queen of the ancient city-state Palenque. She served as regent for her son, Kʼinich Janaab Pakal, securing the dynasty’s legacy during a period of transition. She remains one of the few documented female rulers in Maya civilization.
Nefingus
Nefingus served as bishop of Angers in the 10th century, overseeing the spiritual life and administration of his diocese. He played a significant role in local church reforms and ecclesiastical councils. His leadership helped shape the religious landscape of medieval Francia.
Andronikos I Komnenos
Andronikos I Komnenos was Byzantine emperor from 1183 to 1185, known for his reformist zeal and turbulent reign. He sought to curb aristocratic corruption but his harsh measures led to widespread unrest. His dramatic rise and fall left a lasting impact on the empire.
Peter II of Aragon was King of Aragon from 1196 until his death at the Battle of Muret in 1213. He intervened in southern French affairs during the Albigensian Crusade. His chivalric leadership is remembered in Occitan history.
Pope Innocent VI, born Étienne Aubert, led the Catholic Church from 1352 to 1362 during the Avignon Papacy. He pursued reform of clerical abuses and patronized arts and architecture. His moderate approach balanced spiritual renewal with political diplomacy.
Blanche of Lancaster was Duchess of Lancaster and one of the highest-ranking women in 14th-century England. She married John of Gaunt and helped establish the Lancastrian line. Her piety and patronage marked her legacy.
Sidi El Houari
Sidi El Houari was a 15th-century Algerian imam who founded a prominent Sufi community in Oran. He established a renowned zawiya that became a center of spiritual learning. His teachings influenced North African Sufism for generations.
Albert III
Albert III, known as Albert the Bold, was Duke of Saxony from 1464 to 1500. He was noted for his military campaigns and patronage of the arts. His leadership strengthened Saxony’s position in the Holy Roman Empire.
Clément Marot
Clément Marot was a leading French Renaissance poet known for his lyrical grace and courtly elegies. He served as official poet to King Francis I and influenced French literature profoundly.