Building of the Bastille fortress in Paris begins under the reign of King Charles V of France.
Browse Historical Events by Month:
What Happened in April?
Sieges, raids, and monumental deaths. Discover key historical events from April that influenced the world. 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Note: Sources for the historical content shown, include research and reviews of relevant Online History Resources or printed material.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.
Cola di Rienzo, an Italian populist and later self-proclaimed "Tribune of the People," is killed by a Roman mob.
Battle of the Vikhra River: The Grand Duchy of Lithuania defeats the Golden Horde, gaining territorial expansion.
The Peasants' Revolt in England begins as rebels march on London, demanding an end to serfdom and unfair taxation.
Geoffrey Chaucer first read from The Canterbury Tales at the court of King Richard II. This event was a major turning point for English literature, as it was one of the first times a major work of this stature was presented in English, the common vernacular, rather than the traditional Norman French or Latin used at court.
Rebellion in Wales led by Owain Glyndŵr against English rule begins with a surprise attack on the English-held town of Ruthin.
Battle of Bryn Glas: Forces loyal to Owain Glyndŵr of Wales defeat the English at Pumlumon in Powys.
James I of Scotland is captured by English pirates in the North Sea and imprisoned in the Tower of London.
Louis, Duke of Orléans, is assassinated on the orders of his cousin John the Fearless, Duke of Burgundy, sparking a civil war in France.
Frederick II, Elector of Saxony, is born.
Joan of Arc arrives in the city of Orléans during the Hundred Years' War, entering unopposed through the eastern gate while a French sortie distracted the English forces. Her presence boosted French morale and ultimately contributed to lifting the siege.
Christopher of Bavaria is appointed King of Denmark.
The Battle of Anghiari occurs between the Milanese and the Florentine troops.
Leonardo da Vinci, Italian polymath and painter of the Mona Lisa, is born in Vinci, Italy. More
The siege of Constantinople by the Ottoman Empire led by Sultan Mehmed II begins. After a nearly two-month siege, the Ottomans captured the city on May 29, 1453, bringing about the end of the Byzantine Empire and the beginning of the Ottoman Empire's rule over the city, which was renamed Istanbul.
Mehmed II begins his siege of Constantinople, eventually leading to the fall of the Byzantine Empire.
The Treaty of Lodi is signed, bringing an end to the conflict between the Italian city-states of Milan, Florence, and Naples, establishing peace in the region.
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.
The University of Basel is founded in Switzerland.