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On This Day in History: February 14

Explore the historical events that shaped our world on February 14th. From major milestones to cultural achievements, see what happened on this day in history. Dates for earlier events may be approximate.

983 CE, February 14

Pope Benedict VII dies after a reign marked by the struggle between the papacy and the Roman nobility.

999 CE, February 14

999 CE, February 14 - Gerbert of Aurillac becomes Pope Sylvester II.

1009 CE, February 14

First known mention of the city of Gundelfingen, Germany.

1076 CE, February 14

Pope Gregory VII excommunicates Holy Roman Emperor Henry IV during the Investiture Controversy.

1095 CE, February 14

Pope Urban II preaches the First Crusade at the Council of Clermont.

1100 CE, February 14

First known reference to the village of Potten End, England.

1126 CE, February 14

Death of William IX, Duke of Aquitaine, and troubadour poet.

1130 CE, February 14

Roger II is crowned King of Sicily.

1400 CE, February 14

King Richard II of England, who had been deposed, dies under mysterious circumstances, leading to the ascension of Henry IV to the English throne.

1859 CE, February 14

Oregon is admitted to the United States Union as the 33rd State.

1912 CE, February 14

The Arizona territory becomes the 48th state in the union. The first Governor of the new state was George W.P. Hunt. Arizonans wanted statehood long before 1912, but rejected a proposal from the U.S. Senate that Arizona and New Mexico territories combine and be admitted as one state.