The Battle of Marathon (Greece), was fought today. Part of The Persian-Greco Wars – in which Persian King Darius I began to attempt to conquer The Greek City States, fielded an estimated 140,000 of his Armies. Seen as an “unstoppable” Force in The Ancient World, the determination and rare confederation of The Greek Armies would give Greece a victory with over 7,000 Persian killed.
Emperor Adronikos I (Byzantium), is murdered today. A Tyrant by some accounts, his brother orchestrated his assassination. The Emperor was tied to a Post and beaten. His hair and teeth were torn out and his hand was chopped off! He was next suspended - and cut in half!
The Siege of Gibraltar started today. Part of The Reconquesta Period, Castilan Forces attack the Muslim held Fortress at Gibraltar. The Castilian's will be successful.
Francis I (France), was born today. As King of France, he was a Patron of The Arts – and is credited with starting France's “Renaissance Period”. He purchased Da Vinci's “Mona Lisa”. He was also responsible for creating an “absolute Monarchy” in France, as well as establishing the principles of Humanism and Protestantism. He was also responsible for France starting it's Colonial Explorations of The New World. He died at 52.
Ottoman Forces are forced out of The City of Vienna today by an Allied Army of The Holy Roman Empire.
The Battle of Chapultepec was fought today. Part of The Mexican-American War, American Forces assault the Medieval Spanish-style Fortress. The attacking Force of nearly 3,500 stormed the Fortress continuously for several days until it fell. The engagement will pave the wave for the assault against Mexico City.
Large portions of Serbia are liberated today from Nazi Occupation.