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Old clock in sand with the words: It Happend in March

View Historical Events by Day: What Happened on March 17 in History?

Explore the historical events that shaped our world on March 17th. From major milestones to cultural achievements, see what happened on this day in history. Dates for earlier events may be approximate.

180 CE, March 17

Commodus, Roman Emperor, makes his son Commodus co-emperor.

1040 CE, March 17

Harald Hardrada becomes King of Norway after the death of Magnus I.

1107 CE, March 17

King Baldwin I of Jerusalem dies.

1371 CE, March 17

King Robert II of Scotland is crowned, beginning the Stuart dynasty.

1382 CE, March 17

Siege of Falaise: English forces under Richard II fail to capture the town of Falaise in Normandy.

1402 CE, March 17

Tamerlane captures the city of Damascus, strengthening his influence in the region.

1558 CE, March 17

Ferdinand I succeeds his father, Charles V, as Holy Roman Emperor.

1649 CE, March 17

England's House of Commons passes an act abolishing the House of Lords.

1776 CE, March 17

British forces evacuate Boston during the American Revolutionary War.

1797 CE, March 17

Sir Ralph Abercromby lands in Egypt with British troops during the French Revolutionary Wars.

1797 CE, March 17

Sir Ralph Abercromby lands in Egypt with British troops during the French Revolutionary Wars.

1809 CE, March 17

The Kingdom of Bavaria becomes the first German state to adopt a constitution.