October 13
Overview
Holidays & Observances
Azerbaijani Railway Day(Azerbaijan)
Azerbaijani Railway Day celebrates the founding and progress of Azerbaijan's railway network. Observed annually on October 13, it honors railway workers and highlights the vital role of rail transport in economic development.
Christianfeast day:
Blessed Alexandrina of Balasar, Daniel and companions, of Ceuta, Edward the Confessor(translation), Gerald of Aurillac, BlessedMaddalena Panattieri(OP), Theophilus of Antioch, October 13 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)
A Christian feast day commemorating a group of saints and martyrs including Blessed Alexandrina of Balasar, Daniel and companions of Ceuta, Edward the Confessor, Gerald of Aurillac, Maddalena Panattieri, and Theophilus of Antioch. Observed on October 13 in various Christian traditions.
Doi taikomatsuriOctober 13–15 (Shikokuchūō, Ehime, Japan)
Doi Taikomatsuri is a vibrant three-day drum festival held in Shikokuchūō, Ehime Prefecture from October 13 to 15, showcasing traditional taiko performances and community parades.
International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction(international)
International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction is an annual United Nations observance on October 13 dedicated to raising awareness and promoting strategies to reduce disaster risk worldwide.
Paramedics' Day(Poland)
Poland's Paramedics' Day on October 13 honors emergency medical responders for their vital role in public health and lifesaving services.
Rwagasore Day(Burundi)
Rwagasore Day on October 13 commemorates the legacy of Prince Louis Rwagasore, a national hero and independence leader of Burundi.
Blessed Alexandrina of Balasar
Feast day honoring Blessed Alexandrina of Balasar, a Portuguese mystic known for her deep faith and charity. Observed on October 13 in the Roman Catholic Church.
Daniel and companions, of Ceuta
Feast day for Daniel and his companions, Christian martyrs of Ceuta, commemorated for their fidelity unto death on October 13.
Edward the Confessor(translation)
Feast of the Translation of Saint Edward the Confessor on October 13, commemorating the moving of his relics with reverence and devotion.
Events
Roman emperor Claudius dies from poisoning under mysterious circumstances. He is succeeded by his adoptive son Nero, rather than by Britannicus, his son with Messalina.
Emperor Claudius mysteriously dies from poisoning and is succeeded by his ambitious adopted son Nero.
Vandals and Alans cross the Pyrenees and appear in Hispania.
Vandals and Alans breach the Pyrenees into Roman Hispania, marking a pivotal moment in the Western Roman Empire’s decline.
The present church building at Westminster Abbey is consecrated.
The current Gothic structure of Westminster Abbey is consecrated in 1269.
Hundreds of the Knights Templar in France are arrested at dawn by King Philip the Fair, and later confess under torture to heresy.
King Philip IV of France orders the mass arrest of the Knights Templar on charges of heresy in 1307.
Rinchinbal Khan becomes the Khagan of the Mongols and Emperor of the Yuan dynasty, reigning for only 53 days.
Rinchinbal Khan ascends as Emperor of the Yuan dynasty for a brief 53 days in 1332.
Coronation of Henry IV of England at Westminster Abbey.
Henry IV is crowned King of England at Westminster Abbey on October 13, 1399.
A Swedish–Dutch fleet defeats the Danish fleet at Fehmarn and captures about 1,000 prisoners.
A Swedish–Dutch naval force defeats Denmark at Fehmarn, capturing around 1,000 prisoners in 1644.
Port Royal, the capital of French Acadia, falls in a siege by British forces.
British forces capture Port Royal, the capital of French Acadia, in a decisive 1710 siege.
The Continental Congress establishes the Continental Navy (predecessor of the United States Navy).
The Continental Congress establishes the Continental Navy, the precursor to the United States Navy, in 1775.
Births
Emperor Xiaowen of Northern Wei
Emperor of the Northern Wei dynasty who reigned from 471 to 499 and led sweeping cultural reforms in China.
Thomas FitzAlan
English nobleman who served as the 12th Earl of Arundel and Lord High Treasurer of England in the early 15th century.
Edward of Westminster
Prince of Wales and only son of King Henry VI of England, remembered as the last Lancastrian heir.
Mariotto Albertinelli
Italian Renaissance painter known for his vivid religious compositions and collaboration with Fra Bartolomeo.
French princess who became Duchess of Brittany and Queen consort of France as the wife of King Francis I.
Francis Caracciolo
Italian Catholic priest who co-founded the Congregation of the Clerks Regular Minor and was later canonized as a saint.
Richard Boyle
1st Earl of Cork and Lord High Treasurer of Ireland, notable for extensive landholdings and political influence.
Luisa de Guzmán
Spanish princess who became Queen consort of Portugal and later regent during her sons’ minority.
John Hervey
English courtier, diarist, and politician who served as Lord Privy Seal under King George II.
Deaths
Claudius
Roman emperor from 41 to 54 AD who led the conquest of Britain and enacted significant reforms.
Simpert
Saint Simpert was the bishop of Augsburg in the early 9th century and an influential church leader.
Jing Zong
Emperor of the Khitan-led Liao Dynasty from 969 to 982, known for cultural patronage and military campaigns.
Robert I
Known as Robert the Frisian, he ruled Flanders from 1071 to 1093 and secured its autonomy through military strength.
Guy I
French noble who served as the Count of Ponthieu around the turn of the 12th century.
Gualdim Pais
Portuguese crusader and knight who founded the city of Tomar and led the Knights Templar in Portugal.
Nichiren
Japanese Buddhist priest who founded the Nichiren school of Buddhism emphasizing the Lotus Sutra.
Peter II
Medieval monarch who ruled Cyprus from 1369 until his death in 1382, navigating complex crusader politics.
Thomas FitzAlan
12th Earl of Arundel and Lord High Treasurer, a key English noble and supporter of Henry IV.