Romulus Augustulus, the last Roman Emperor in the West, is deposed by the Germanic chieftain Odoacer.
View Historical Events by Day:
What Happened Today in History on April 4
Explore the historical events that shaped our world on April 4th. From major milestones to cultural achievements, see what happened on this day in history. Dates for earlier events may be approximate.
Note: Sources for the historical content shown, include research and reviews of relevant Online History Resources or printed material. When possible, we show a link to a source which provides additional or unique perspective about the event.
We do our best to provide accurate information but would appreciate being notified if any incorrect information is found. You may do so by using our Feedback link.
Pope Formosus dies, on April 4, 896. He was Pope and ruler of the Papal States from October 6, 891 until his death. His pontificate was marked by interventions in power struggles and left a controversial legacy leading to a period of scandals and chaos in the papacy. Months after his death his remains were exhumed and put on trial it what is known as the Cadaver Synod. He was convicted and all his ordinations declared invalid. More
Brian Boru, High King of Ireland, wins the Battle of Glenmama, consolidating his power.
Alexios I Komnenos becomes Byzantine emperor after the death of Nikephoros III Botaneiates.
The Treaty of Meaux-Paris is signed, officially ending the Albigensian Crusade and granting amnesty to the Cathars in Languedoc, France.
The Battle of Homs takes place between the Mamluks and the Mongols, leading to a decisive Mamluk victory.
The University of Basel is founded in Switzerland. It is the oldest university in Switzerland. Once a center of European humanism, it is now a highly research-oriented, internationally accessible institution that emphasizes life sciences and medicine.
Explorer Henry Hudson sets sail from Amsterdam on his voyage to North America.
King Charles I of England dissolves Parliament, beginning the period known as the Eleven Years' Tyranny.
The Great Storm of 1703, one of the worst storms to strike southern Great Britain, causes widespread damage and thousands of deaths.
Beethoven's Symphony No. 3, "Eroica," premieres in Vienna.
William Henry Harrison, 9th President of the United States, dies of pneumonia after only 32 days in office, the shortest tenure in U.S. presidential history.
The first recorded sale of bottled Coca-Cola takes place in Vicksburg, Mississippi.
The Boxer Rebellion begins in China with the killing of foreign diplomats and civilians in Beijing.
Civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is shot and mortally wounded as he stood on the second-floor balcony outside his room at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tenn. He was pronounced dead at 7:05 p.m. at St. Joseph Hospital. More
Dr. Denton Cooley implants the first temporary artificial heart in a human.
The World Trade Center "Twin Towers" in New York City officially open becoming the world’s tallest building at the time and a dominant feature of the city’s skyline. They were destroyed in a terrorist attack in 2001.