The Concordat of Worms Ends the Investiture Controversy
On September 23, 1122, the Concordat of Worms ended the Investiture Controversy between the papacy and the Holy Roman Empire.
Saladin Takes Jerusalem
On October 2, 1187, Jerusalem surrendered to Saladin, ending 88 years of Crusader rule over the city.
Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel Ceiling Opens to the Public
Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel ceiling opened to the public on November 1, 1512, after four years of work for Pope Julius II.
Parliament Names Henry VIII Head of the English Church
On November 3, 1534, Parliament made Henry VIII head of the Church of England.
The First Complete Bible in English Is Printed
On October 4, 1535, the Coverdale Bible was printed, the first complete Bible in English.
Pope Paul III Approves the Society of Jesus
On September 27, 1540, Pope Paul III approved the Society of Jesus, the religious order founded by Ignatius of Loyola.
The Peace of Augsburg Settles Religion in the Holy Roman Empire
On September 25, 1555, the Peace of Augsburg let each German prince choose the religion of his own territory.
Pope Gregory XIII Introduces the Gregorian Calendar
The Gregorian calendar took effect on October 15, 1582, dropping ten days to correct the drift of the old Julian calendar.
Handel Finishes the Messiah
On September 14, 1741, Handel completed the oratorio Messiah, written in about 24 days and first performed in Dublin.
George Washington Proclaims the First National Thanksgiving
On October 3, 1789, George Washington proclaimed the first national Thanksgiving, to be held on November 26.
The Mountain Meadows Massacre
On September 11, 1857, around 120 emigrants were killed at Mountain Meadows in Utah by Mormon militia and Paiute allies.
The Miracle of the Sun Is Reported at Fatima
On October 13, 1917, thousands at Fatima reported the Miracle of the Sun, which the Catholic Church accepted as genuine in 1930.
Pope John Paul I Dies After 33 Days in Office
On September 28, 1978, Pope John Paul I died after 33 days as pope, and the circumstances produced conspiracy theories that persist.