Browse Historical Events by Day: What Happened on November 18th?

The Great Fire of Rome begins, lasting for six days and causing significant destruction.

The Great Fire of Rome begins, lasting for six days and causing significant destruction.

The First Lateran Council, the first ecumenical council of the Catholic Church, opens in Rome.

The Battle of Orewin Bridge takes place during the First War of Scottish Independence, resulting in a Scottish victory.

The Battle of the Golden Spurs occurs in Flanders, with the Flemish militia defeating the forces of the French king, Philip IV

The Papal Schism begins with the election of Pope Urban VI, leading to a split within the Catholic Church.

The St. Elizabeth flood, a massive storm surge hits Zeeland and southern Holland flooding several villages and transforming a segment of reclaimed land called Grote Ward into an inland sea. Some areas that were flooded in this storm remain under water today. I was estimated that more than 10.000 people perished. More

Pope Julius II lays the foundation stone for the new St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City.

Portuguese explorer João Rodrigues Cabrilho, sailing under the Spanish flag, explores the coast of California.

The National Women's Christian Temperance Union (WCTU) is founded in the United States.

The United States adopts Standard Time Zones, establishing the system still in use today.

The Zimbabwean military initiates a coup d'état, leading to the resignation of President Robert Mugabe after 37 years in power.