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Jan 18, 1066
Battle of Hastings
The Battle of Hastings was fought over being king of England. Harold had ensured that he would after making William swear to an oath. Harold was then named king of England. William was furious and fought back which resulted in many battles, most notoriously, the Battle of Hastings. -
Jun 18, 1215
King John Signs Magna Carta
The Magna Carta was a document of agreements between King John of England and the barons of England. The purpose of it was to stop kings from abusing their power. -
Jan 18, 1271
Travels of Marco Polo
Marco Polo was born in 1254. He began his travels with Niccolo and Matteo. The three were traveling east to meet with the Great Khan. Khan liked Marco and Marco served for his empire. Marco Polo died in 1324. -
Jan 18, 1343
Birth of Geoffrey Chaucer
Chaucer, a poet, was estimated to be born around 1343. -
Jan 18, 1348
Black Death Plague
The Black Death was a plague caused by a disease carried by rats and fleas. It is estimated that it killed 1.5 million people between 1348 to 1350. -
Jan 6, 1412
Birth of Joan of Arc
Joan of Arc was born in 1412 in eastern France. There was fighting between France and England and Joan sided with England. She was captured and burned at the stake in 1431. -
Jan 18, 1480
Birth of Ferdinand Magellan
Born in 1480 in Sabrosa, Portugal, Ferdinand Magellan was one of the greatest explorers of his time. His parents passed away in 1490, but Ferdinand was a page to the queen so he was well educated. He took his first voyage in 1505 and was sent on a much bigger one in 1519. Magellan later died in 1521 after taking part in a war between tribes. -
Jan 18, 1485
Birth of Hernando Cortez
Cortez was born in 1485. He went to school but dropped out. When he heard stories of the new world, he had to be a part. He sought out gold, but he also gained land and slaves on his many trips. He died in 1547. -
Jan 18, 1492
Christopher Columbus sails the Atlantic
Columbus was born in 1451 in what is present-day Italy. He heard many stories of the sea as a kid and decided to sail himself. His biggest voyage was in 1492 which was conducted in order to find a route to Asia. Instead he found America. After a few other trips, he died in 1506. -
Feb 15, 1564
Birth of Galileo Galilei
Galileo Galilei was born on February 15, 1564 in Pisa. He is most noted for his work with the telescope. Galileo published a book in 1632 which was banned. He was sent to trial and condemned. He died under house arrest in 1642. -
Apr 26, 1564
Shakespeare is Baptised
Birth and death dates were not recorded during his time, but the baptism usually took a place a short time after the birth. Shakespeare is best known for his work involving poems and plays. Shakespeare died in 1616. -
First American Settlement
Settlers landed near the James River and established Jamestown. The residents built may structures in the town. Two years later a ship carrying 214 people arrived and only 60 survived to the summer. -
Birth of Sir Isaac Newton
Isaac Newton was born in 1642. He studied at Cambridge, but it was shut down because of a plague. Newton then published a book which contained his three laws of motion. Newton died in 1727.
