Martyrdom of Saint Polycarp in Smyrna, an important figure in early Christian history.
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What Happened Today in History on February 23
Explore the historical events that shaped our world on February 23rd. From major milestones to cultural achievements, see what happened on this day in history. Dates for earlier events may be approximate.
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Pope John XII crowns Otto I's son Otto II as co-emperor.
Battle of Manzikert: Seljuk Turks defeat the Byzantine Empire, leading to the loss of Anatolia.
Duke Welf I is assassinated, possibly on orders from Emperor Henry IV.
1284, February 23 - Statute of Rhuddlan: King Edward I of England creates laws for Wales.
Battle of Monte Catini: Forces loyal to Florence defeat those of Pisa in Italy
Battle of Kassel: German mercenaries under Enguerrand VII of Coucy defeat Hainaut forces during the Brabant Revolution.
Vlad the Impaler (Dracula) becomes the ruler of Wallachia for the first time, starting his legacy.
Circa 1455, February 23
The printing of the Gutenberg Bible, one of the earliest major books printed using movable type, is completed in Mainz, Germany. Reportedly, many scholars believe that February 23, 1455 was the completion date. The Gutenberg Bible is named after its creator, Johannes Gutenberg who also invented the wooden printing press, metal types, and oil-based inks used in the new printing process.
Historians estimate that Gutenberg printed about 150-180 Bibles in 1455. Only 20 complete copies in the world survive intact and many others exist only as single volumes or fragments.
George Plantagenet, Duke of Clarence, is executed for treason against his brother, King Edward IV of England.
The Fifth Council of the Lateran, an important council of the Roman Catholic Church, is convened by Pope Leo X in Rome.
1632 c. February 23
Galileo Galilei publishes "Dialogue Concerning the Two Chief World Systems," defending the Copernican theory of heliocentrism.
1757, February 23 - The Battle of Chandannagar takes place, leading to the capture of the French fort by the British during the Seven Years' War.
The Battle of the Alamo begins in San Antonio, Texas, between Texan rebels and Mexican forces during the Texas Revolution.
The raising of the U.S. flag over Mount Suribach is photographed by Joe Rosenthal of the Associated Press, The iconic photograph went on to become one of the best-known photographic images of the Pacific war.