February 04
Overview
Holidays & Observances
Christianfeast day:
Andrew Corsini, Eduardo Francisco Pironio, Gilbert of Sempringham, John de Brito, Goldrofe of Arganil, BlessedRabanus Maurus, Rimbert, February 4 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)
An Eastern Orthodox liturgical feast day honoring a group of saints including Andrew Corsini, Gilbert of Sempringham, and others.
Day of the Armed Struggle(Angola)
A national holiday in Angola commemorating the start of the liberation struggle against Portuguese colonial rule in 1961.
Earliest day on whichAsh Wednesdaycan fall, while March 10 is the latest; celebrated on the first day ofLent(Western Christianity)
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent in Western Christianity, initiating a period of prayer, fasting, and reflection.
Independence Day (Sri Lanka)
National holiday celebrating Sri Lanka's independence from British colonial rule in 1948.
Rosa Parks Day(CaliforniaandMissouri, United States)
Celebrates the birthday of Rosa Parks and her legacy in the American civil rights movement.
World Cancer Day
Global observance raising awareness of cancer prevention, detection, and treatment, spearheaded by the Union for International Cancer Control.
International Day of Human Fraternity
UN observance promoting peace, dialogue, and mutual understanding among diverse cultures and religions.
Andrew Corsini
Feast day of Saint Andrew Corsini, a 14th-century Carmelite bishop known for his peacemaking and care for the poor.
Eduardo Francisco Pironio
Feast day of Blessed Eduardo Francisco Pironio, an Argentine cardinal celebrated for his commitment to social justice and prayer.
Events
Following the death of the Roman Emperor Septimius Severus at Eboracum (modern York, England) while preparing to lead a campaign against the Caledonians, the empire is left in the control of his two quarrelling sons, Caracalla and Geta, whom he had instructed to make peace.
After Emperor Septimius Severus died in York, his sons Caracalla and Geta inherited the Roman Empire, setting the stage for a bitter power struggle.
Zhao Kuangyin declares himself Emperor Taizu of Song, ending the Later Zhou and beginning the Song dynasty.
Zhao Kuangyin proclaims himself Emperor Taizu of Song, founding the Song dynasty and bringing an end to the Later Zhou.
A strong earthquake strikes the Ionian coast of Sicily, causing tens of thousands of injuries and deaths, especially in Catania.
A powerful earthquake devastates the Ionian coast of Sicily, particularly impacting Catania and resulting in massive casualties.
Thirteen Years' War: The Secret Council of the Prussian Confederation sends a formal act of disobedience to the Grand Master of the Teutonic Knights, sparking the Thirteen Years' War.
Prussian nobles formally rebel against the Teutonic Knights, triggering the Thirteen Years' War in 1454.
John Rogers is burned at the stake, becoming the first English Protestant martyr under Mary I of England.
John Rogers becomes the first English Protestant burned at the stake under Queen Mary I’s reign.
In Edo (now Tokyo), all but one of the Forty-seven Ronin commit seppuku (ritual suicide) as recompense for avenging their master's death.
The Forty-seven Ronin in Edo carry out ritual suicide after avenging their lord, embodying the samurai code of honor.
The city of Macapá in Brazil is founded by Sebastião Veiga Cabral.
Brazilian explorer Sebastião Veiga Cabral founds the city of Macapá on the northern bank of the Amazon River.
George Washington is unanimously elected as the first President of the United States by the U.S. Electoral College.
George Washington is unanimously elected by the Electoral College as the first President of the United States.
The French legislature abolishes slavery throughout all territories of the French First Republic. It would be reestablished in the French West Indies in 1802.
The French National Convention proclaims the abolition of slavery across all French territories.
Births
Lodovico Lazzarelli
Italian Renaissance poet known for his allegorical and humanist writings.
Francesco II Sforza
Italian nobleman who served as the last Duke of Milan from the Sforza dynasty.
Jean Parisot de Valette
17th-century French noble and Military Grand Master renowned for his leadership during the Great Siege of Malta.
Mikołaj Rej
Polish Renaissance writer often called the 'father of Polish literature' for his pioneering use of the Polish language.
Pierre de Bérulle
Influential French cardinal and theologian who founded the French school of spirituality in the early 17th century.
Hans Erasmus Aßmann
German Baroque poet and statesman who served in the courts of Silesia.
Johann Ludwig Bach
German Baroque violinist and composer, member of the prolific Bach musical family.
Pierre de Marivaux
French novelist and playwright celebrated for works exploring love and social manners.
Dru Drury
English entomologist and collector who authored one of the first illustrated works on exotic insects.
Deaths
Septimius Severus
Roman emperor from 193 to 211 and founder of the Severan dynasty.
Pope of the Catholic Church in 708 whose brief papacy lasted only a few weeks.
Rabanus Maurus
Frankish archbishop and theologian, known as the 'Teacher of Germany' for his scholarship.
Ceolnoth
Archbishop of Canterbury who navigated the church through Viking invasions in the 9th century.
John of Ajello
12th-century Bishop of Catania in Sicily during the Norman Kingdom.
Antonio del Pollaiuolo
Italian Renaissance artist known for his work in painting, sculpture, and engraving.
Jeanne de Valois
French princess and daughter of King Louis XI, remembered for her piety.
Conrad Celtes
German Renaissance humanist scholar and poet, known as the 'Father of German Humanism.'
John Rogers
English clergyman and translator, first Protestant martyr under Mary I.