November 15
Overview
Holidays & Observances
America Recycles Day(United States)
An annual reminder to celebrate and promote recycling efforts across the United States.
Christianfeast day:
Abibus of Edessa, Albert the Great, BlessedCaius of Korea, Didier of Cahors, Francis AsburyandGeorge Whitefield(Episcopal Church), Blessed Hugh Faringdon, Leopold III, apublic holidayinLower AustriaandVienna., Malo, Mechell, November 15 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)
A liturgical celebration honoring multiple saints observed on November 15 in various Christian traditions.
Day of the German-speaking Community of Belgium(German-speaking Community of Belgium)
The official celebration of the German-speaking Community of Belgium, showcasing its culture and heritage.
Day of the Imprisoned Writer(International observance)
An international observance highlighting the plight of jailed authors and advocates for freedom of expression.
Independence Day, unilaterally declared in 1988. (Palestine)
Palestine observes this day to commemorate its unilateral declaration of independence in 1988.
King's Feast(Belgium)
Belgium’s annual feast day honoring the monarchy and the reigning king.
National Tree Planting Day(Sri Lanka)
Sri Lanka’s annual observance dedicated to planting trees and promoting environmental conservation.
Peace Day(Ivory Coast)
Ivory Coast’s national Peace Day commemorates the end of its civil conflict and promotes unity.
Republic Proclamation Day(Brazil)
A Brazilian public holiday marking the proclamation of the republic in 1889.
Events
Battle of the Winwaed: Penda of Mercia is defeated by Oswiu of Northumbria.
A pivotal battle in 655 where King Oswiu of Northumbria defeats King Penda of Mercia at the Winwaed, reshaping early English power dynamics.
Growth of the Old Swiss Confederacy: The Schweizer Eidgenossenschaft ambushes the army of Leopold I in the Battle of Morgarten.
In 1315, Swiss Confederate forces ambush and defeat Duke Leopold I’s army at Morgarten, strengthening Swiss unity.
Spanish conquest of the Inca Empire: Commanded by Francisco Pizarro, Spanish conquistadors under Hernando de Soto meet Incan Emperor Atahualpa for the first time outside Cajamarca, arranging for a meeting in the city plaza the following day.
Spanish conquistadors led by Francisco Pizarro meet Inca Emperor Atahualpa for the first time outside Cajamarca in 1532, setting the stage for the conquest of the Inca Empire.
Francisco Pizarro arrives in Cuzco, the capital of the Inca Empire.
In 1533, Francisco Pizarro reaches Cuzco, the heart of the Inca Empire, following the capture of Atahualpa, signaling a seismic shift in Andean history.
Rákóczi's War of Independence: The Habsburg Empire and Denmark win a military victory over the Kurucs from Hungary in the Battle of Zsibó.
During Rákóczi’s War of Independence, Habsburg and Danish forces defeat Hungarian Kuruc rebels at the Battle of Zsibó in 1705.
The secondly-built Castellania in Valletta is officially inaugurated with the blessing of the interior Chapel of Sorrows.
The Castellania, Malta’s historic courthouse in Valletta, is officially inaugurated in 1760, highlighting Baroque architecture and judicial heritage.
American Revolutionary War: After 16 months of debate the Continental Congress approves the Articles of Confederation.
After extensive debate, the Continental Congress approves the Articles of Confederation in 1777, forming the first constitution of the United States.
Pike Expedition: Lieutenant Zebulon Pike spots a mountain peak while near the Colorado foothills of the Rocky Mountains. It is later named Pikes Peak in his honor.
During his 1806 expedition, Lieutenant Zebulon Pike sights a towering mountain peak near present-day Colorado, later named Pikes Peak.
A slave revolt in the Cherokee Nation commences.
In 1842, a group of enslaved people launches a revolt within the Cherokee Nation, challenging oppression and highlighting tensions in frontier societies.
Births
Bʼutz Aj Sak Chiik
Bʼutz Aj Sak Chiik was a Mayan king during the Classic period, known for his leadership and monumental inscriptions.
John I
John I was the posthumous King of France and Navarre, remembered as the youngest and shortest-reigning monarch in French history.
Nicholas V
Nicholas V was Pope of the Catholic Church from 1447 to 1455, renowned for founding the Vatican Library and promoting Renaissance humanism.
Eleanor of Austria
Eleanor of Austria was a 16th-century archduchess who served as queen consort of Portugal and later of France, influencing European dynastic politics.
Johannes Secundus
Johannes Secundus was a Dutch humanist poet celebrated for his Latin love elegies gathered in the collection 'Basia'.
Jacques Davy Duperron
Jacques Davy Duperron was a French cardinal, diplomat, and theologian who served as a key advisor to King Henry IV.
Madeleine de Scudéry
Madeleine de Scudéry was a French writer and salon host known for her elaborate romance novels and influence on literary society.
Hermann von der Hardt
Hermann von der Hardt was a German historian and orientalist renowned for pioneering studies of Eastern languages and cultures.
Christoph von Graffenried
Christoph von Graffenried was a Swiss nobleman who led settlers to found New Bern in colonial North Carolina and wrote extensively about his experiences.
Deaths
Mattathias
Jewish priest and leader who sparked the Maccabean Revolt against Seleucid rule.
Malo
6th-century Breton bishop known for his missionary work and revered as a patron saint of seafarers.
Æthelhere
7th-century king of East Anglia who ruled during the turbulent era of the early Anglo-Saxon kingdoms.
Penda of Mercia
7th-century pagan king of Mercia known for his military prowess and resistance to Christian rulers.
Odo II
11th-century French nobleman and Count of Blois known for his ambitious rule and involvement in regional power struggles.
Leopold III
11th-century margrave of Austria renowned for his piety and later venerated as a saint.
Margaret I
12th-century Countess of Flanders known for her administration and support of religious foundations.
Frederick of Isenberg
13th-century German nobleman whose conflict with the Archbishop of Cologne led to his downfall and execution.
Albertus Magnus
13th-century German scholar, bishop, and philosopher renowned for synthesizing Aristotelian thought with Christian theology.