Category Archives: 1720s and before

Galileo formally banned from teaching that the Earth orbits the sun 410 years ago today (Feb 26 1616)


Video: 'The Inquisition of Galileo | 26th Feb 1616'

(Monday, February 26, 1616) — Astronomer Galileo Galilei met today with a Roman Inquisition official, Cardinal Robert Bellarmine, who ordered him to abandon the “heretical” concept of heliocentrism, which held that the earth revolved around the sun, instead of the other way around.

Guy Fawkes executed for ‘Gunpowder Plot’ 420 years ago today (Jan 31 1606)


Video: 'The last Days of Guy Fawkes' (Jan. 31, 1606, at 40:41)

(Friday, January 31, 1606, morning local time)Guy Fawkes, convicted of treason for his part in the “Gunpowder Plot” against the English Parliament and King James I, was executed today. Continue reading Guy Fawkes executed for ‘Gunpowder Plot’ 420 years ago today (Jan 31 1606)

‘Gunpowder Plot’ to blow up English Parliament discovered 420 years ago this hour (Nov 5 1605)


Video: 'The Gunpowder Plot | Guy Fawkes Documentary | Reel Truth Science'

(Tuesday, November 5, 1605)The Gunpowder Plot, a failed assassination attempt against King James I of England and VI of Scotland by a group of provincial English Catholics led by Robert Catesby, failed today when Guy Fawkes was seized before he could blow up the English Parliament. Continue reading ‘Gunpowder Plot’ to blow up English Parliament discovered 420 years ago this hour (Nov 5 1605)

First permanent European settlement established in present-day U.S. 460 years ago today (Sep 8 1565)


Video: 'St. Augustine - First Colony'

(Saturday, September 8, 1565, morning local time) — A Spanish expedition established the first permanent European settlement in the United States today at present-day St. Augustine, Florida.

King Louis XIV of France dies after 72 years on throne 310 years ago this hour (Sep 1 1715)


Video: 'Louis XIV: The World's Longest Reigning Monarch | 1715: The Sun King is Dead | Real Royalty'

(Thursday, September 1, 1715, 8:15 a.m. Paris Mean Time) — Following a reign of 72 years, King Louis XIV of France died today of gangrene at Versailles, four days before his 77th birthday. Continue reading King Louis XIV of France dies after 72 years on throne 310 years ago this hour (Sep 1 1715)

Scottish rebel leader Sir William Wallace executed for treason 720 years ago today (Aug 23 1305)


Video: 'Lost Worlds: Braveheart's Scotland and William Wallace (S1, E11) | Full Episode | History'

(Monday, August 23, 1305) — Sir William Wallace, a Scottish knight who became one of the main leaders during the Wars of Scottish Independence, was executed by the English today for treason.

England’s King Richard III killed in Battle of Bosworth Field 540 years ago today (Aug 22 1485)


Video: 'Richard III The New Evidence'

(Monday, August 22, 1485) — England’s King Richard III, 32, was killed today in the Battle of Bosworth Field, effectively ending the War of the Roses (click here to watch “King Richard III (1452-1485).”

Hurricane sinks 1715 Treasure Fleet 310 years ago today (July 31 1715)


Video: 'The Hurricane and the 1715 Treasure Fleet'

(Sunday, July 31, 1715) — A fleet of Spanish ships carrying gold, silver and jewelry sank today during a hurricane off the east Florida coast, scattering most of their treasure along the ocean floor. Continue reading Hurricane sinks 1715 Treasure Fleet 310 years ago today (July 31 1715)

England’s King John puts his seal to Magna Carta 810 years ago today (June 15 1215)


Video: 'The Magna Carta Explained: Global History Review'

(Monday, June 15, 1215) — England’s King John put his seal to Magna Carta (“the Great Charter”) today at Runnymede. Continue reading England’s King John puts his seal to Magna Carta 810 years ago today (June 15 1215)

England’s first representative Parliament meets for first time 760 years ago today (Jan 20 1265)


Video: 'A Brief History of Parliament'

(Tuesday, January 20, 1265) — England’s first representative Parliament met for the first time today. The gathering at Westminster was composed of bishops, abbots, peers, Knights of the Shire and town burgesses.