Today in the Middle Ages

These articles highlight significant historical events that happened on a particular month and day of the year.

Today in the Middle Ages: April 15, 1452

Submitted by Ursula on Sat, 2006-04-15 12:11
Leonardo Da Vinci was born on April 15, 1452. He became the prototype of the "Renaissance Man."

Today in the Middle Ages: April 14, 1471

Submitted by Ursula on Fri, 2006-04-14 12:49
The Battle of Barnet, fought on April 14, 1471 near London, was a major victory for the Yorkist Edward IV in the English Wars of the Roses.

Today in the Middle Ages: April 13, 1111

Submitted by Ursula on Thu, 2006-04-13 12:12
On April 13, 1111, Henry V, King of Germany, was crowned Holy Roman Emperor after maneuvering that included capturing Pope Paschal II and deposing his own father.

Today in the Middle Ages: April 12, 1334

Submitted by Ursula on Wed, 2006-04-12 12:33
Giotto di Bondone was appointed Chief Architect of Florence Cathedral on April 12, 1334. He designed a bell tower for the Cathedral, but it was not finished until after his death.

Today in the Middle Ages: April 11, 1554

Submitted by Ursula on Tue, 2006-04-11 17:23
Sir Thomas Wyatt the Younger was executed on April 11, 1554, for leading a rebellion against Queen Mary Tudor of England, known to history as "Bloody Mary."

Today in the Middle Ages: April 10, 1512

Submitted by Ursula on Mon, 2006-04-10 12:55
King James V of Scotland was born on April 10, 1512. He was the son of James IV of Scotland and Margaret Tudor, the sister of King Henry VIII.

Today in the Middle Ages: April 9, 1241

Submitted by Ursula on Sun, 2006-04-09 16:48
On April 9, 1241, Polish knights fought the invading Mongol army at Liegnitz (aka Legnica) in Silesia.

Today in the Middle Ages: April 8, 1492

Submitted by Ursula on Sat, 2006-04-08 14:32
Today marks the anniversary of the death of Lorenzo de Medici, called "The Magnificent."

Today in the Middle Ages: April 7, 1506

Submitted by Ursula on Fri, 2006-04-07 13:13
Today is the 500th anniversary of the birth of St. Francis Xavier. The Spanish-born missionary studied at the University of Paris and was one of the seven priests who joined Ignatius Loyola to found the Jesuit order.