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.
Michelangelo's David Is Unveiled in Florence
On September 8, 1504, Michelangelo's David was unveiled in Florence, a 5-metre marble figure that became a symbol of the republic.
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.
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 Gregorian Calendar Takes Effect
On October 4, 1582, the last Julian calendar day ended in Catholic Europe; the next was October 15.
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.
The Battle of Caporetto
On October 24, 1917, Austro-German forces broke the Italian line at Caporetto, forcing a retreat of more than 100 kilometres to the Piave river.
Italy Invades Ethiopia
On October 3, 1935, Italy invaded Ethiopia from Eritrea and Somalia, beginning the Second Italo-Ethiopian War.
Mussolini Names the Berlin-Rome Axis
On November 1, 1936, Mussolini called the Italy-Germany alliance an "axis," naming the era's central pact.
Italy Signs the Armistice of Cassibile With the Allies
On September 3, 1943, Italy signed the Armistice of Cassibile with the Allies, a secret surrender announced five days later as German troops moved in.
German Commandos Rescue Benito Mussolini
On September 12, 1943, German commandos rescued Mussolini from house arrest on the Gran Sasso in central Italy.
Abebe Bikila Wins the Rome Marathon Barefoot
On September 10, 1960, Abebe Bikila won the Rome Olympic marathon barefoot, the first sub-Saharan African Olympic champion.
The Vajont Landslide Sends a Wave Over the Dam and Into Longarone
A landslide into the Vajont reservoir on October 9, 1963 sent a wave over the dam and destroyed Longarone, killing around 2,000 people.
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.
The Hijacking of the Achille Lauro and the Killing of Leon Klinghoffer
Gunmen from the Palestine Liberation Front seized the cruise ship Achille Lauro on October 7, 1985, and killed passenger Leon Klinghoffer.
Hikers Find Otzi the Iceman in the Alps
On September 19, 1991, hikers found Otzi the Iceman in the Otztal Alps, a natural mummy about 5,300 years old.