Browse Historical Events by Month: What Happened in October?

The Crusaders lay siege to Antioch during the First Crusade.

The Second Crusade begins, with European forces launching campaigns to the Holy Land.

The Maya civilization reaches its peak in the Yucatan Peninsula, with cities like Chichen Itza flourishing.

Genghis Khan is proclaimed the Great Khan of the Mongol Empire.

The Mongol Empire, under Genghis Khan's leadership, conquers the Jin Dynasty in China.

King Philip IV of France orders the arrest of the Knights Templar, leading to their persecution.

The Battle of Salado, also known as the Battle of Tarifa is fought between the armies of King Afonso IV of Portugal and King Alfonso XI of Castile against those of Sultan Abu al-Hasan 'Ali of the Marinid dynasty and Yusuf I of Granada, resulting in a Christian victory. More

The Battle of Agincourt takes place during the Hundred Years' War, resulting in a significant English victory over the French.

The Yongle Emperor of China moves the capital from Nanjing to Beijing, initiating the construction of the Forbidden City.

The Congress of Arras is held, aiming to negotiate peace during the Hundred Years' War.

The Battle of Kosovo takes place between the Ottoman Empire and a coalition of Balkan states, with the Ottomans emerging victorious.

The Hundred Years' War comes to an end with the recapture of Bordeaux by the French, reclaiming their last possession in the conflict.

The Second Peace of Thorn is signed, ending the Thirteen Years' War and defining the borders between the Teutonic Knights and Poland-Lithuania.

Ferdinand of Aragon marries Isabella of Castile. The united kingdoms became the basis for the unification of Spain. In 1478, the Spanish Inquisition was introduced, a brutal force of control in Spanish society. In 1492, the reconquest of Granada from the Moors was completed, and the crown ordered all Spanish Jews to convert to Christianity or face expulsion from Spain. Also in 1492, the crown supported the explorations of Christopher Columbus, eventually resulting in Spain becoming a dominant world power. In 1496, the Spanish Muslims were also order to convert to Christianity or face expulsion from Spain. More

King Edward IV of England returns from exile, reclaiming the throne during the Wars of the Roses.

The Battle of Bosworth Field takes place, resulting in the defeat of Richard III and the ascension of Henry VII as King of England.

The Malleus Maleficarum, a treatise on witchcraft, is first published in Germany.

The Treaty of Medina del Campo is signed, establishing a marriage alliance between the kingdoms of Spain and Portugal.

Christopher Columbus and his crew make landfall in the present day Bahamas, marking the European discovery of the Americas. More

The Alhambra Decree is issued by the Catholic Monarchs of Spain, ordering the expulsion of Jews from the country.