This Day in History
Today: May 20, 2026
325
The First Council of Nicaea is formally opened, starting the first ecumenical council of the Christian Church.[1]
491
Empress Ariadne marries Anastasius I. The widowed Augusta is able to choose her successor for the Byzantine throne, after Zeno (late emperor) dies of dysentery.
685
The Battle of Dun Nechtain is fought between a Pictish army under King Bridei III and the invading Northumbrians under King Ecgfrith, who are decisively defeated.
794
While visiting the royal Mercian court at Sutton Walls with a view to marrying princess Ælfthryth, King Æthelberht II of East Anglia is taken captive and beheaded.[2]
1217
The Second Battle of Lincoln is fought near Lincoln, England, resulting in the defeat of Prince Louis of France by William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke.
1293
King Sancho IV of Castile creates the Estudio de Escuelas de Generales in Alcalá de Henares.
1426
King Mohnyin Thado formally ascends to the throne of Ava.[note 1]
1449
The Battle of Alfarrobeira is fought, establishing the House of Braganza as a principal royal family of Portugal.
1497
John Cabot sets sail from Bristol, England, on his ship Matthew looking for a route to the west (other documents give a May 2 date).
1498
Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama discovers the sea route to India when he arrives at Kozhikode (previously known as Calicut), India.[3]
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