January 11
Overview
Holidays & Observances
Children's Day(Tunisia)
A day dedicated to celebrating and raising awareness of children's rights and well-being in Tunisia.
Christianfeast day:
Anastasius of Suppentonia(Roman Catholic), Leucius of Brindisi(Roman Catholic), Paulinus II of Aquileia, Pope Hyginus, Theodosius the Cenobiarch, Thomas of Cori, Vitalis of Gaza(Roman Catholic), January 11 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)
Commemoration of multiple Christian saints' feast days observed on January 11 across various Christian traditions.
Eugenio María de Hostos Day(Puerto Rico)
Puerto Rico honors Eugenio María de Hostos on his birthday, celebrating his impact as an educator, writer, and advocate for independence.
Independence Resistance Day(Morocco)
Morocco commemorates the beginning of its struggle for independence from colonial rule on January 11.
Kagami biraki(Japan)
A traditional Japanese ceremony on January 11 celebrating the breaking of the New Year's kagami mochi for good fortune.
National Human Trafficking Awareness Day(United States)
An annual U.S. observance dedicated to raising awareness about human trafficking and supporting survivors.
Republic Day (Albania)
Albania celebrates the proclamation of its republic, a landmark in its national history.
Carmentalia(January 11thandJanuary 15th) (Rome)
An ancient Roman festival honoring the goddess Carmenta, celebrated on January 11 and 15.
Prithvi Jayanti(Nepal)
Nepal celebrates the birth anniversary of King Prithvi Narayan Shah, the unifier of modern Nepal.
Events
Nika riots in Constantinople: A quarrel between supporters of different chariot teams—the Blues and the Greens—in the Hippodrome escalates into violence.
In 532, a violent uprising broke out in Constantinople when rival chariot racing factions clashed in the Hippodrome.
Conquest of Mecca: Muhammad and his followers conquer the city, and the Quraysh association of clans surrenders.
In 630, Muhammad and his followers peacefully entered and took control of Mecca as the Quraysh clans surrendered.
Sack of Mecca by the Qarmatians.
In 930, the Qarmatian sect attacked Mecca, pillaging the Kaaba and removing its revered Black Stone.
Theodora is crowned empress of the Byzantine Empire.
On January 11, 1055, Theodora was crowned empress of the Byzantine Empire, becoming one of its few female rulers.
Vladislaus II, Duke of Bohemia becomes King of Bohemia.
In 1158, Vladislaus II, Duke of Bohemia, was elevated to King of Bohemia, enhancing his realm's prestige.
First recorded lottery in England.
The first state lottery in England was authorized in 1569 to raise funds for public projects.
Arauco War: A Spanish army is defeated by local Mapuche-Huilliches as it tries to cross Bueno River in Southern Chile.
During the Arauco War in 1654, Mapuche-Huilliche warriors ambushed and defeated a Spanish army at the Bueno River.
The first American life insurance company, the Corporation for Relief of Poor and Distressed Presbyterian Ministers and of the Poor and Distressed Widows and Children of the Presbyterian Ministers (now part of Unum Group), is incorporated in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
In 1759, Philadelphia saw the incorporation of America's first life insurance company to aid Presbyterian ministers and their families.
William Herschel discovers Titania and Oberon, two moons of Uranus.
On January 11, 1787, William Herschel discovered Titania and Oberon, two previously unknown moons of Uranus.
Births
Theodosius I
Roman Emperor from 379 to 395 who was the last ruler to govern both the Eastern and Western Roman Empires.
Abd-ar-Rahman III
First Caliph of Córdoba who oversaw political expansion and led al-Andalus into a golden age of culture and learning.
Wang Chongyang
Founder of the Quanzhen School of Taoism and celebrated poet whose teachings shaped Chinese spiritual life.
Möngke Khan
Fourth Great Khan of the Mongol Empire who directed military campaigns in Syria and China.
Northern Court Emperor of Japan during the Nanboku-chō period, noted for his patronage of Buddhist temples.
Emperor of Japan's Northern Court during the Nanboku-chō period, involved in the court rivalry with the Southern Court.
Michele of Valois
French princess who became Duchess of Burgundy through her marriage to Philip the Good.
Parmigianino
Italian Mannerist painter and printmaker celebrated for his graceful elongated figures and innovative compositions.
William Strode
English politician and Member of Parliament known for his defense of parliamentary privileges and role in the lead-up to the Civil War.
Deaths
Pope Hyginus
Early Pope who helped shape the organization of the Christian Church.
Pope from 701 to 705 who navigated complex relations between the Byzantine Empire and Lombard kings.
49th Emperor of Japan who ruled from 770 to 781 and oversaw early Nara period developments.
Staurakios
Briefly ruled as Byzantine emperor in 812 before succumbing to battle wounds.
Michael I Rangabe
Byzantine emperor from 811 to 813 who faced military challenges and abdicated after key defeats.
Boso of Provence
Frankish nobleman who declared himself King of Lower Burgundy and challenged Carolingian authority.
Cao
Empress of the Later Tang dynasty who held a central role in court life during the 10th century.
Li Chongmei
Prince of the Later Tang dynasty known for his royal lineage during a period of political upheaval.
Li Congke
Final emperor of the Later Tang dynasty whose reign ended amid rebellion and foreign intervention.