February 11

Events

660 BC

Traditional date for the foundation of Japan by Emperor Jimmu.

According to legend, on this day Emperor Jimmu, regarded as Japan's first sovereign, founded the Yamato dynasty in 660 BC, marking the mythical birth of the Japanese nation.
Legend holds that on February 11, 660 BC, Emperor Jimmu descended from the sun goddess Amaterasu to establish his rule at Kashihara, laying the foundation for the Yamato dynasty. This founding myth is chronicled in the ancient texts Kojiki and Nihon Shoki and remains a cornerstone of Japan's national identity. While historians debate the event's historicity, it symbolizes the unity and continuity of the Japanese state. In modern times, February 11 is celebrated as National Foundation Day (Kenkoku Kinen no Hi). Millions participate in ceremonies, parades, and shrine visits to honor the legacy of the mythical first emperor and reflect on Japan's cultural heritage.
660 BC Emperor Jimmu
55day.year

The death under mysterious circumstances of Tiberius Claudius Caesar Britannicus, heir to the Roman Empire, on the eve of his coming of age clears the way for Nero to become Emperor.

In AD 55, Tiberius Claudius Caesar Britannicus, son and heir of Emperor Claudius, died unexpectedly under suspicious circumstances, clearing the path for Nero's rise to power.
On February 11, AD 55, the young Roman prince Britannicus was found dead just days before his 14th birthday, sparking rumors of poisoning. As the only natural son of Emperor Claudius, his demise removed a key obstacle for Nero's succession. Many ancient sources accuse Agrippina the Younger, Nero's mother, of orchestrating the plot to secure her son's claim. Britannicus's death shifted the balance within the imperial court and solidified Nero's position as emperor. This event foreshadowed the turbulent and often brutal nature of Julio-Claudian politics and the reign that followed.
55 Tiberius Claudius Caesar Britannicus Roman Empire Nero
951day.year

Guo Wei, a court official, leads a military coup and declares himself emperor of the new Later Zhou.

In 951, the military governor Guo Wei led a coup d'état at the Later Han court, proclaimed himself emperor, and founded the Later Zhou dynasty.
Amidst the turmoil of the Five Dynasties period, General Guo Wei seized control of the Later Han court on February 11, 951. Capitalizing on widespread dissatisfaction with corrupt officials, he deposed the emperor and declared the inception of the Later Zhou dynasty. Guo Wei adopted reforms to stabilize the realm, reorganizing military and civil administration. His brief reign (951–954) introduced measures that strengthened central authority and improved agricultural policies. Although Later Zhou was short-lived, its governance laid the groundwork for the eventual reunification of China under the Song dynasty.
951 Guo Wei Later Zhou
1144day.year

Robert of Chester completes his translation from Arabic to Latin of the Liber de compositione alchemiae, marking the birth of Western alchemy.

Robert of Chester's 1144 Latin translation of the Arabic Liber de compositione alchemiae introduced Western Europe to alchemical knowledge for the first time.
On February 11, 1144, Robert of Chester completed his translation of the Arabic treatise Liber de compositione alchemiae into Latin. Commissioned by the Normans in Spain, this work carried the core doctrines and laboratory practices of Islamic alchemists into Western Christendom. The translation sparked European interest in transmutation, the philosopher's stone, and medicinal minerals. Over the following centuries, alchemy evolved beyond its mystical roots, influencing early chemistry and medicine. Robert of Chester's efforts thus mark a pivotal moment in the cross-cultural transmission of scientific knowledge.
1144 Robert of Chester Arabic Latin Liber de compositione alchemiae alchemy
1534day.year

At the Convocation of Canterbury, the Catholic bishops comprising the Upper House of the Province of Canterbury agree to style Henry VIII supreme head of the English church and clergy "so far as the law of Christ allows".

At the 1534 Convocation of Canterbury, English bishops recognized Henry VIII as the Supreme Head of the Church of England, a decisive act in the English Reformation.
Facing rejection from the Papacy over his desire for an annulment, Henry VIII convened the Convocation of Canterbury on February 11, 1534. The assembled bishops in the Upper House of the Province of Canterbury agreed to acknowledge the king as 'Supreme Head of the Church of England' 'so far as the law of Christ allows.' This historic declaration severed England's ecclesiastical ties to Rome and laid the legal groundwork for royal supremacy. It paved the way for the Act of Supremacy and the dissolution of monasteries. The move reshaped English religious life and altered the political landscape of Tudor England.
1534 Convocation of Canterbury Province of Canterbury Henry VIII
1584day.year

A naval expedition led by Pedro Sarmiento de Gamboa founds Nombre de Jesús, the first of two short-lived Spanish settlements in the Strait of Magellan.

In 1584, explorer Pedro Sarmiento de Gamboa established Nombre de Jesús, the first Spanish settlement in the harsh environment of the Strait of Magellan.
Pedro Sarmiento de Gamboa led a Spanish naval expedition that founded Nombre de Jesús on February 11, 1584, at the western entrance to the Strait of Magellan. Intended to secure Spain's control over this vital passage, the settlement faced brutal weather, supply shortages, and hostile terrain. Despite Sarmiento's detailed maps and fortifications, the colony struggled to survive in the subpolar climate. Within a year the settlers abandoned the site, relocating to Ciudad del Rey Don Felipe further north. Although short-lived, Nombre de Jesús exemplifies the challenges of early Atlantic exploration and Spain's strategic ambitions in the New World.
1584 Pedro Sarmiento de Gamboa Nombre de Jesús Spanish settlements in the Strait of Magellan
1586day.year

Sir Francis Drake with an English force captures and occupies the Spanish colonial port of Cartagena de Indias for two months, obtaining a ransom and booty.

Sir Francis Drake captured and occupied Cartagena de Indias on February 11, 1586, extracting a substantial ransom before withdrawing two months later.
During the Anglo-Spanish War, Sir Francis Drake launched a surprise assault on the wealthy port of Cartagena de Indias on February 11, 1586. Overwhelming the Spanish defenses, Drake's forces held the city for two months, demanding and receiving a large ransom in gold and goods. His occupation disrupted Spanish trade in the Caribbean and showcased the reach of English privateering. The raid boosted English morale and provoked harsh Spanish retaliation. Drake's success at Cartagena cemented his reputation as one of the era's most formidable seafarers.
1586 Francis Drake captures and occupies Cartagena de Indias
1659day.year

The assault on Copenhagen by Swedish forces is beaten back with heavy losses.

On February 11, 1659, Swedish forces' assault on Copenhagen was repelled during the Second Northern War, inflicting heavy losses and preserving the Danish capital.
As part of the Second Northern War, King Charles X Gustav of Sweden resumed the siege of Copenhagen with a major assault on February 11, 1659. The well-fortified Danish defenses and staunch resistance of the citizens turned back the Swedish attackers with significant casualties. Reinforcements and improved artillery further strengthened Copenhagen's position. The failure of this attack marked a turning point in the siege, boosting Danish morale. The prolonged confrontation ultimately led to the Treaty of Copenhagen in 1660, restoring stability in the region.
1659 The assault on Copenhagen
1794day.year

First session of United States Senate opens to the public.

In 1794, the United States Senate opened its sessions to the public for the first time, increasing transparency in the young nation's government.
Until February 11, 1794, the United States Senate conducted its proceedings behind closed doors, shrouded in secrecy. Responding to calls for greater openness, the Senate began allowing citizens to observe debates and committee hearings. This change enhanced public scrutiny of legislative decisions and fostered democratic accountability. The opening of the Senate chambers prefigured later innovations in American political transparency, such as the publication of daily Congressional proceedings. It remains a milestone in the evolution of U.S. legislative practice.
1794 United States Senate
1808day.year

Jesse Fell burns anthracite on an open grate as an experiment in heating homes with coal.

On February 11, 1808, Jesse Fell successfully burned anthracite coal on an open grate, pioneering its use for domestic heating in America.
Jesse Fell, a Pennsylvania ironmaster, conducted a groundbreaking experiment on February 11, 1808, by burning anthracite coal on an open grate in Wilkes-Barre. Prior to this demonstration, anthracite was known but considered too difficult to ignite without specialized furnaces. Fell's method showed that the hard, high-carbon coal could heat homes efficiently and cleanly. His success spurred the anthracite mining industry in Northeastern Pennsylvania and influenced heating practices across the young United States. This innovation contributed to broader developments in resource utilization during the Industrial Revolution.
1808 Jesse Fell anthracite
1812day.year

Massachusetts governor Elbridge Gerry is accused of "gerrymandering" for the first time.

Massachusetts Governor Elbridge Gerry’s redistricting plan sparks the first recorded use of the term ‘gerrymandering,’ reshaping U.S. electoral vocabulary.
On February 11, 1812, Massachusetts Governor Elbridge Gerry approved a controversial redistricting plan. Critics observed one oddly shaped district and nicknamed the practice 'gerrymandering', blending Gerry's name with 'mander'. The catchy term captured public attention and underscored the power of drawing electoral boundaries. This moment marked the first recorded use of 'gerrymandering' in political language. It set a precedent for future debates over fair representation in American politics.
1812 Massachusetts Elbridge Gerry gerrymandering
1823day.year

Carnival tragedy of 1823: About 110 boys are killed during a human crush at the Convent of the Minori Osservanti in Valletta, Malta.

A deadly human crush at the Convent of the Minori Osservanti in Valletta claims around 110 young lives during a carnival celebration.
On February 11, 1823, a festive carnival gathering at the Convent of the Minori Osservanti in Valletta turned deadly. A sudden surge in the crowd caused a human crush that killed approximately 110 boys. Witnesses described panicked scenes as attendees struggled in narrow corridors. The tragedy highlighted the dangers of mass events without proper crowd control. In its aftermath, Maltese authorities faced calls to improve public safety measures.
1823 Carnival tragedy of 1823 human crush Convent of the Minori Osservanti Valletta Malta