November 06

A powerful earthquake destroys large portions of the Walls of Constantinople, including 57 towers.

A massive earthquake struck Constantinople in 447 AD, demolishing large sections of its famed walls and toppling 57 towers. The disaster exposed the Byzantine capital’s defenses and spurred major rebuilding efforts.

Synod of Rome: Emperor Otto I calls a council at St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. Pope John XII is deposed on charges of an armed rebellion against Otto.

In 963 AD, Emperor Otto I convened the Synod of Rome to depose Pope John XII for alleged armed rebellion. This bold move highlighted the growing supremacy of imperial authority over the Papacy.

The Charter of the Forest is sealed at St Paul's Cathedral, London by King Henry III, acting under the regency of William Marshall, 1st Earl of Pembroke which re-establishes for free men rights of access to the royal forest that had been eroded by William the Conqueror and his heirs.

On November 6, 1217, King Henry III sealed the Charter of the Forest at St Paul's Cathedral, restoring commoners’ rights to England’s royal woodlands. This landmark document complemented Magna Carta in defending public access to vital resources.

The first recorded observation from Earth of the Great Comet of 1577 takes place by Aztec astronomers in Mexico, followed by reports from Italy on November 7 and Japan on November 8. Astronomer Tycho Brahe will track the comet from November 13 until January 26 before it departs the Solar System.

Aztec astronomers in Mexico made the first recorded observation of the Great Comet of 1577, predating European sightings. This celestial visitor would soon reshape contemporary understandings of the heavens.

Battle of Jemappes in the French Revolutionary Wars.

The Battle of Jemappes on November 6, 1792, saw French revolutionary forces defeat the Austrians in Belgium. This pivotal victory boosted French morale and spread revolutionary zeal across Europe.

Abraham Lincoln is elected the 16th president of the United States with only 40% of the popular vote, defeating John C. Breckinridge, John Bell, and Stephen A. Douglas in a four-way race.

Abraham Lincoln won the U.S. presidency on November 6, 1860, with just 40% of the popular vote in a four-way race. His election accelerated the nation toward Civil War.

In New Brunswick, New Jersey, Rutgers College defeats Princeton University (then known as the College of New Jersey), 6–4, in the first official intercollegiate American football game.

On November 6, 1869, Rutgers and Princeton met in New Brunswick in the first sanctioned intercollegiate American football game. Rutgers emerged victorious 6–4, launching a beloved national tradition.

President William McKinley is re-elected, along with his vice-presidential running mate, Governor Theodore Roosevelt of New York. Republicans also swept the congressional elections, winning increased majorities in both the Senate and the House of Representatives.

President William McKinley was re-elected on November 6, 1900, with Theodore Roosevelt as his running mate. The Republican sweep reaffirmed their political dominance and foreshadowed Roosevelt’s future presidency.

Spanish Civil War: The republican government flees from Madrid to Valencia, leading to the formation of the Madrid Defense Council in its stead.

Amid the Spanish Civil War on November 6, 1936, the Republican government evacuated Madrid for Valencia. In their absence, the Madrid Defense Council was formed to coordinate the city’s defenses.