Odoacer Deposes Romulus Augustulus, Ending the Western Roman Empire
On September 4, 476, Odoacer deposed Romulus Augustulus, ending the line of Western Roman emperors and ruling Italy himself.
Belisarius Defeats the Vandals at Ad Decimum
On September 13, 533, Belisarius defeated the Vandals at Ad Decimum and went on to retake North Africa for the empire.
Crusaders and Portuguese Take Lisbon
On October 25, 1147, Portuguese and crusader forces took Lisbon from its Muslim ruler after a long siege, shaping early Portugal.
Vasco Nunez de Balboa Reaches the Pacific Ocean
On September 25, 1513, Balboa became the first European to sight the Pacific Ocean from the Americas, from a peak in Panama.
Ferdinand Magellan Sails from Spain to Circumnavigate the Globe
On September 20, 1519, Magellan sailed from Spain with five ships on the voyage that would become the first circumnavigation of the earth.
The Qing Court Moves to Beijing
On October 30, 1644, the Qing dynasty made Beijing its capital, when the young Shunzhi emperor was enthroned there after the fall of the Ming.
A Christian Alliance Breaks the Ottoman Siege of Vienna
On September 12, 1683, a Polish-led relief army broke the Ottoman siege of Vienna, ending Turkish expansion in Europe.
The British Win the Plains of Abraham Outside Quebec
On September 13, 1759, Wolfe defeated Montcalm on the Plains of Abraham outside Quebec; both generals died of their wounds.
St. Clair's Defeat on the Wabash
On November 4, 1791, an American army under General Arthur St. Clair was destroyed on the Wabash by a Native confederation.
The Mukden Incident Gives Japan a Pretext to Invade Manchuria
On September 18, 1931, the staged Mukden Incident gave Japan's Kwantung Army a pretext to invade and occupy Manchuria.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Is Proclaimed
On September 23, 1932, Ibn Saud proclaimed the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, uniting Hejaz and Nejd under one state.