Browse Historical Events by Day: What Happened on September 26th?

The Byzantine Empire defeats an army of the Emirate of Sicily at the Battle of Garigliano, solidifying Byzantine control over Southern Italy.

Roger II is crowned King of Sicily, establishing the Kingdom of Sicily and becoming its first Norman ruler.

The Battle of Blanchetaque is fought during the Crécy campaign of the Hundred Years' War, where the English army successfully crosses the River Somme to engage the French forces.

Sir Francis Drake completes his circumnavigation of the globe aboard the Golden Hind, bringing back an an enormous amount of treasure to the Crown and trip investors More

The first-ever televised U.S. presidential debate takes place between John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon. More

The Comprehensive Anti-Apartheid Act is passed by the United States Congress, imposing economic sanctions against South Africa in protest against its apartheid policies.

The Irish Republican Army (IRA ) officially disarms, giving up its weapons to independent weapons inspectors, two months after announcing its intention to do so. The IRA was originally founded in 1919 to oppose British rule in Ireland. It had operated since the 1960s as the military arm of Sinn Fein. More

Myanmar (formerly known as Burma) experiences widespread protests led by Buddhist monks and activists, known as the Saffron Revolution, demanding democratic reforms and an end to military rule.