1354day.year
War of the Straits: The Genoese fleet under Paganino Doria defeats and captures the entire Venetian fleet under Niccolò Pisani at the Battle of Sapienza.
During the War of the Straits in 1354, the Genoese fleet under Paganino Doria achieved a decisive victory over Venice by capturing their entire fleet at the Battle of Sapienza.
The War of the Straits was a maritime conflict between the republics of Genoa and Venice. In November 1354, Genoese admiral Paganino Doria led his fleet against the Venetian squadron commanded by Niccolò Pisani near the fortress of Sapienza. Through superior naval tactics and seamanship, the Genoese forces overwhelmed and captured every Venetian vessel. This stunning triumph shifted the balance of power in the Mediterranean and undermined Venice's dominance in trade. The captured ships and crews were paraded through Genoa as a symbol of the republic’s naval prowess. The victory reverberated across Europe, marking a pivotal moment in the centuries-long rivalry between Genoa and Venice.
1354
War of the Straits
Genoese
Paganino Doria
Venetian
Niccolò Pisani
Battle of Sapienza
1429day.year
Armagnac–Burgundian Civil War: Joan of Arc liberates Saint-Pierre-le-Moûtier.
In 1429, Joan of Arc led French forces to liberate the fortress town of Saint-Pierre-le-Moûtier during the Armagnac–Burgundian Civil War.
Amid the turmoil of the Armagnac–Burgundian Civil War and the broader Hundred Years' War, Joan of Arc emerged as a key figure in French resistance. On November 4, 1429, she directed an assault on the Burgundian-held town of Saint-Pierre-le-Moûtier. Rallying troops with her conviction and charismatic leadership, Joan inspired a fierce charge that breached the town's defenses. The liberation strengthened French morale and solidified Joan's reputation as a divinely guided warrior. This victory accelerated the push against English and Burgundian forces in northern France. Joan of Arc's actions at Saint-Pierre-le-Moûtier paved the way for further successes, eventually leading to the coronation of Charles VII.
1429
Armagnac–Burgundian Civil War
Joan of Arc
liberates Saint-Pierre-le-Moûtier
1493day.year
Christopher Columbus reaches the Leeward Islands.
On his second voyage to the New World in 1493, Christopher Columbus sighted and reached the Leeward Islands, expanding European knowledge of the Caribbean.
Departing Spain with a larger fleet to explore unknown western seas, Columbus aimed to find new lands and trade routes. On November 4, 1493, his expedition reached the Leeward Islands, part of the Lesser Antilles in the Caribbean. This discovery added several islands to European maps and opened new opportunities for colonization and resource exploitation. Columbus documented the indigenous peoples, flora, and fauna, fueling interest in transatlantic ventures. His reports of fertile lands and friendly inhabitants prompted further Spanish expeditions. The arrival in the Leeward Islands marked a significant step in the European exploration and eventual settlement of the Americas.
1493
Christopher Columbus
Leeward Islands
1501day.year
Catherine of Aragon (later Henry VIII's first wife) meets Arthur Tudor, Henry VIII's older brother – they would later marry.
In 1501, Catherine of Aragon met her future husband Arthur Tudor, the eldest son of England’s King Henry VII, marking a key moment in Anglo-Spanish relations.
Catherine of Aragon, daughter of Spain’s Catholic Monarchs, arrived in England to be betrothed to Arthur Tudor. The formal meeting on November 4, 1501, in Richmond Palace established a high-profile alliance between Spain and England. Although Arthur’s untimely death months later prevented the marriage from being consummated, the diplomatic ties endured. Following his death, Catherine married his brother Henry VIII, ascending to the English throne as queen. Her presence influenced the politics and religious landscape of Tudor England for decades. The union and its complex legacy shaped the course of European dynastic and religious history.
1501
Catherine of Aragon
Henry VIII
Arthur Tudor
1576day.year
Eighty Years' War: In Flanders, Spain captures Antwerp (which is nearly destroyed after three days).
During the Eighty Years' War in 1576, Spanish forces captured and nearly destroyed the city of Antwerp after a three-day assault.
As part of Spain’s campaign to suppress the Dutch Revolt, Spanish troops under the command of Don Juan of Austria besieged Antwerp. From November 4 to 7, relentless bombardment and street fighting reduced much of the city to ruins. The defenders, overwhelmed by artillery and dwindling supplies, were forced to surrender. The aftermath, known as the Spanish Fury, saw widespread looting and civilian casualties. This brutal event galvanized resistance throughout the Low Countries and deepened hatred toward Spanish rule. Antwerp's devastation marked one of the most notorious episodes of the Eighty Years' War.
1576
Eighty Years' War
Flanders
Antwerp
nearly destroyed
1677day.year
The future Mary II of England marries William, Prince of Orange; they later jointly reign as William and Mary.
On November 4, 1677, the future Queen Mary II of England married William of Orange, forging an alliance that would later see them rule jointly.
Mary, the eldest daughter of James, Duke of York, wed her cousin William, Prince of Orange, in a grand ceremony at St James's Palace. This marriage united the English royal family with the Protestant House of Orange, strengthening alliances against Catholic powers. Their union laid the political groundwork for the Glorious Revolution of 1688. When they ascended the throne in 1689, William and Mary ruled as constitutional monarchs under the newly enacted Bill of Rights. Their joint reign marked a shift toward parliamentary power and religious tolerance in England. The legacy of William and Mary’s partnership shaped the future of the British monarchy and parliamentary democracy.
1677
Mary II of England
William, Prince of Orange
1737day.year
The Teatro di San Carlo, the oldest working opera house in Europe, is inaugurated in Naples, Italy.
The Teatro di San Carlo, Europe’s oldest opera house still in operation, was inaugurated in Naples, Italy, on November 4, 1737.
Commissioned by King Charles VII of Naples, the Teatro di San Carlo opened its doors with the premiere of the opera 'Achille in Sciro'. Designed by engineer Giovanni Antonio Medrano, its horseshoe-shaped auditorium and advanced stage machinery set new standards for theatre design. The opulent decor, including gilded balconies and frescoed ceilings, reflected the grandeur of Bourbon patronage. Quickly becoming a cultural hub, the San Carlo attracted eminent composers like Rossini and Donizetti. It has survived fires, earthquakes, and political upheavals while maintaining its rich operatic tradition. Today, it remains a living monument to the golden age of European opera.
1737
Teatro di San Carlo
1780day.year
The Rebellion of Túpac Amaru II against Spanish rule in the Viceroyalty of Peru begins.
On November 4, 1780, Túpac Amaru II launched a major rebellion against Spanish colonial rule in the Viceroyalty of Peru.
José Gabriel Condorcanqui, who took the name Túpac Amaru II, led indigenous and mestizo groups in revolt against the oppressive Spanish colonial administration. The uprising commenced with the execution of the corregidor and rapidly spread across the Andean highlands. Aimed at abolishing forced labor and tribute systems, it garnered widespread popular support. Despite early victories, Spanish reinforcements eventually quashed the rebellion, capturing and executing Túpac Amaru II in 1781. The crackdown was brutal, but the rebellion exposed the deep discontent of colonial subjects. It inspired later independence movements throughout Latin America and remains a symbol of resistance to colonialism.
1780
Rebellion of Túpac Amaru II
Viceroyalty of Peru
1783day.year
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's Symphony No. 36 is performed for the first time in Linz, Austria.
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Symphony No. 36, the 'Linz' Symphony, premiered in Linz, Austria, on November 4, 1783.
Composed during a brief stop in Linz, Mozart wrote his Symphony No. 36 in just four days to meet the demands of the town’s concert programmers. Known as the 'Linz' Symphony, it features rich orchestration and vivid thematic contrasts that highlight Mozart's mature compositional voice. The premiere took place in the newly built town hall, where the audience greeted the work with enthusiasm. This symphony bridged the styles of Mozart's Salzburg upbringing and his later Viennese masterpieces. It solidified his reputation as a leading symphonist of the Classical era. Today, the 'Linz' Symphony remains a staple of the orchestral repertoire, admired for its elegance and inventiveness.
1783
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Symphony No. 36
Linz
1791day.year
Northwest Indian War: The Western Confederacy of American Indians wins a major victory over the United States in the Battle of the Wabash.
During the Northwest Indian War in 1791, the Western Confederacy of American Indian tribes achieved a significant victory over U.S. forces at the Battle of the Wabash.
Known as St. Clair's Defeat, this battle saw Native American forces led by chiefs Little Turtle and Blue Jacket ambush and decisively overpower the United States Army. The engagement resulted in over 900 American casualties, marking one of the worst defeats in U.S. military history. The victory bolstered the Western Confederacy’s resistance to American expansion into the Northwest Territory. News of the rout shocked the young republic and prompted reforms in military organization and strategy. Despite this setback, U.S. forces eventually regrouped under General Anthony Wayne and secured the territory at the Battle of Fallen Timbers in 1794. St. Clair's Defeat remains a testament to the strategic acumen and bravery of the Native American confederation.
1791
Northwest Indian War
Western Confederacy
American Indians
Battle of the Wabash
1798day.year
The Russo-Ottoman siege of Corfu begins.
In 1798, Russian and Ottoman forces jointly lay siege to the Venetian-held island fortress of Corfu, initiating a strategic campaign in the Mediterranean.
The Russo-Ottoman siege of Corfu began on November 4, 1798, against the Venetian garrison on the island. This joint operation was part of the broader Mediterranean campaign during the Napoleonic Wars. Corfu's fortress defenses had been under Venetian control for centuries, making its capture a significant prize. Russian troops provided artillery support while Ottoman forces conducted land operations. The siege demonstrated the temporary alliance between two former adversaries. After several weeks of bombardment and entrenchment, the defenders eventually capitulated. The fall of Corfu shifted the balance of naval power in the Adriatic Sea. It also marked one of the last major actions against Venetian possessions in the region.
1798
Russo-Ottoman siege
Corfu
1839day.year
Newport Rising: The last large-scale armed rebellion against authority in mainland Britain.
The Newport Rising of 1839 represents the last large-scale armed rebellion against British authority in mainland Britain.
On November 4, 1839, thousands of Chartist protesters marched on Newport, Wales, demanding political reforms and universal male suffrage. The demonstration escalated into violence when local militia opened fire. At least 22 rebels were killed and hundreds wounded. The uprising became a symbol of the Chartist movement's struggle for democratic rights. It was the last significant armed challenge to the establishment in mainland Britain. Though the rebellion failed, it galvanized public debate on electoral reform. In the following years, aspects of the Chartist agenda were incorporated into British law. The Newport Rising remains an important milestone in the history of British democracy.
1839
Newport Rising