This Day in History
Today: February 4, 2026
211
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.<span class="mw-reflink-te...
960
Zhao Kuangyin declares himself Emperor Taizu of Song, ending the Later Zhou and beginning the Song dynasty.[2]
1169
A strong earthquake strikes the Ionian coast of Sicily, causing tens of thousands of injuries and deaths, especially in Catania.[3]
1454
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.[4]
1555
John Rogers is burned at the stake, becoming the first English Protestant martyr under Mary I of England.[5]
1703
In Edo (now Tokyo), all but one of the Forty-seven Ronin commit seppuku (ritual suicide) as recompense for avenging their master's death.[6]
1758
The city of Macapá in Brazil is founded by Sebastião Veiga Cabral.
1789
George Washington is unanimously elected as the first President of the United States by the U.S. Electoral College.[7]
1794
The French legislature abolishes slavery throughout all territories of the French First Republic.[8] It would be reestablished in the French West Indies in 1802.
1797
The Riobamba earthquake strikes Ecuador, causing up to 40,000 casualties.[9]
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