211day.year
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.
On February 4, 211 AD, Emperor Septimius Severus passed away in Eboracum (modern York) while preparing to campaign against the Caledonians.
He had appointed his sons Caracalla and Geta as joint heirs, hoping they would maintain peace across the empire.
Almost immediately, tensions flared between the brothers as they vied for exclusive authority.
Caracalla, the elder, sought to consolidate power and sidelined Geta from key military and administrative decisions.
This rivalry culminated in Caracalla arranging Geta's assassination the following year, ending the brief co-rule.
The fratricidal conflict marked a tragic chapter in Roman imperial history and underscored the perils of divided rule.
211
Septimius Severus
Caledonians
Caracalla
Geta
960day.year
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.
On February 4, 960, the general Zhao Kuangyin seized power in Kaifeng and declared himself Emperor Taizu of Song.
His ascension marked the end of the short-lived Later Zhou dynasty and the beginning of over three centuries of Song rule.
Emperor Taizu implemented civil service reforms to curb military power and strengthen central governance.
Under his leadership, China experienced cultural flourishing, advancements in technology, and economic growth.
The Song dynasty became renowned for its watercolor painting, movable-type printing, and innovations in navigation.
Taizu's legacy endured as he laid the foundations for a stable and prosperous era in Chinese history.
960
Zhao Kuangyin
Emperor Taizu of Song
Later Zhou
Song dynasty
1169day.year
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.
On February 4, 1169, a severe earthquake struck the eastern coast of Sicily, with Catania bearing the brunt of the disaster.
Eyewitness accounts describe buildings collapsing, streets cracking open, and widespread fires breaking out in the chaos.
Historical estimates suggest tens of thousands of people were injured or killed during the shaking and its aftermath.
The catastrophe caused long-term disruption to local trade and agriculture, as ports and farmland were heavily damaged.
Reconstruction efforts took years, and the event was remembered in chronicles as one of medieval Sicily’s most deadly natural disasters.
The earthquake's impact influenced later building practices aimed at improving structural resilience in seismic regions.
1169
strong earthquake
Catania
1454day.year
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.
On February 4, 1454, the Secret Council of the Prussian Confederation sent a defiant letter to Heinrich von Plauen, Grand Master of the Teutonic Knights.
This bold act of disobedience challenged decades of Teutonic rule over Prussian cities and territories.
The Prussian Confederation, composed of nobles and burghers, sought incorporation into the Polish Crown for greater autonomy.
Poland accepted their plea, and open hostilities broke out, marking the start of the Thirteen Years' War (1454–1466).
The conflict reshaped the political landscape of northeastern Europe and weakened the military order of the Teutonic Knights.
Ultimately, the Second Peace of Thorn granted Royal Prussia significant self-governance under the Polish king.
1454
Thirteen Years' War
Prussian Confederation
Grand Master
Teutonic Knights
1555day.year
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.
On February 4, 1555, reformer John Rogers was executed by burning at Smithfield, London, for his Protestant beliefs.
As the first Protestant martyr of Mary I’s reign, his death marked a grim start to the Marian persecutions.
Rogers had translated and published Protestant works, including the 'Matthew Bible,' making religious texts accessible in English.
His execution galvanized fellow reformers and drew public attention to the harsh measures against religious dissent.
Mary I’s campaign to restore Catholicism led to nearly 300 burnings of Protestants over five years.
Rogers’s sacrifice was later commemorated in Anglican martyrologies and remains a symbol of religious conviction.
1555
John Rogers
burned at the stake
Protestant
martyr
Mary I of England
1703day.year
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.
On February 4, 1703, 46 of the Forty-seven Ronin performed seppuku in Edo following their successful revenge against Kira Yoshinaka.
Their act commemorated the loyalty and bushido principles that guided the samurai class.
Led by Ōishi Kuranosuke, the ronin avenged Lord Asano Naganori, who had been forced to commit seppuku for assaulting Kira.
After killing Kira in his mansion, the ronin surrendered and were sentenced to die honorably rather than live as masterless samurai.
Only one fell ill and took no part in the ritual at Sengaku-ji Temple, where the graves of their lord and comrades now stand.
The story of the Forty-seven Ronin has inspired countless plays, novels, and films, making it a timeless symbol of loyalty in Japanese culture.
1703
Edo
Forty-seven Ronin
seppuku
1758day.year
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.
On February 4, 1758, Sebastião Veiga Cabral established the settlement of Macapá at the mouth of the Amazon River.
Chosen for its strategic position near the equator and river access, it served as a military and trade outpost.
Macapá later became the capital of the Portuguese State of Grão-Pará and Rio Negro.
The city’s unique layout was planned around a central plaza and a grid of streets to facilitate defense and growth.
Over time, Macapá evolved into a cultural crossroads, blending indigenous, African, and European influences.
Today, it is known for the Marco Zero monument marking the equatorial line and its vibrant festivals.
1758
Macapá
1789day.year
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.
On February 4, 1789, the U.S. Electoral College cast all its votes for George Washington, securing his unanimous election.
This historic decision followed the ratification of the U.S. Constitution and establishment of the executive branch.
Washington’s leadership during the American Revolution and his stature as a unifying figure made him the natural choice.
He traveled to New York City for his inauguration, which took place on April 30 at Federal Hall.
As president, he set critical precedents for the office, including the two-term tradition and the formation of a Cabinet.
His presidency laid the groundwork for the young nation’s governance and international standing.
1789
George Washington
President of the United States
U.S. Electoral College
1794day.year
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.
On February 4, 1794, the French National Convention decreed the immediate abolition of slavery in every colony of the First Republic.
This groundbreaking measure reflected Revolutionary ideals of liberty and equality, extending them to enslaved peoples.
The decision was met with celebrations among formerly enslaved communities in the Caribbean.
However, economic pressures and colonial lobbying led Napoleon to reinstate slavery in the French West Indies in 1802.
Despite the reversal, the 1794 decree set an important legal precedent that inspired future abolitionist movements.
Slavery was permanently abolished in French territories later in the 19th century, building on the legacy of this first decree.
1794
slavery
French First Republic
French West Indies
1797day.year
The Riobamba earthquake strikes Ecuador, causing up to 40,000 casualties.
A catastrophic earthquake devastates the region around Riobamba in Ecuador, killing tens of thousands.
On February 4, 1797, a massive earthquake shook the Andean foothills near Riobamba, Ecuador.
Contemporary reports estimate that up to 40,000 people perished as villages and missions were flattened.
The quake triggered landslides that buried entire communities and disrupted communication routes.
Survivors faced harsh mountain winters without shelter or supplies, compounding the human toll.
Spanish colonial authorities struggled to coordinate relief across rugged terrain, slowing recovery efforts.
The disaster remains one of the deadliest in South American history and spurred early seismic studies in the region.
1797
Riobamba earthquake
Ecuador
1801day.year
John Marshall is sworn in as Chief Justice of the United States.
John Marshall was sworn in as Chief Justice of the United States, ushering in a transformative era for the Supreme Court.
On February 4, 1801, John Marshall took the oath as Chief Justice, becoming the longest-serving presiding officer in Supreme Court history. His appointment by President John Adams followed a fierce partisan battle in the new republic. Over his 34-year tenure, Marshall authored landmark opinions that established the principle of judicial review in Marbury v. Madison. He also shaped the balance of power between federal and state governments through decisions such as McCulloch v. Maryland and Gibbons v. Ogden. Marshall's leadership transformed the Supreme Court into a co-equal branch of government. His legal philosophy emphasized a strong national government and a robust interpretation of the Constitution. Today, he is remembered as one of the most influential jurists in American history.
1801
John Marshall
Chief Justice of the United States
1810day.year
Napoleonic Wars: Britain seizes Guadeloupe.
During the Napoleonic Wars, British forces captured Guadeloupe from France, extending British control in the Caribbean.
On February 4, 1810, during the intensifying Napoleonic Wars, the British Royal Navy and army launched an expedition to capture the French-held island of Guadeloupe. The operation aimed to disrupt French colonial trade and secure strategic positions in the Caribbean. British troops landed on Grande-Terre and Basse-Terre, facing stiff resistance from French and local militia forces. After a week of guerrilla fighting and sieges, the British secured the island, effectively ending French rule. The victory bolstered British naval supremacy and weakened Napoleon's Atlantic strategy. Guadeloupe remained under British occupation until the restoration of Napoleon's rule in 1815. The conquest had lasting economic and geopolitical impacts on the region, reshaping colonial competition in the West Indies.
1810
seizes Guadeloupe