The Crusaders besiege the city of Arqa, an important strategic point in Lebanon, during the First Crusade. The siege ended with the Crusaders failing to capture Arqa. They then continued their march along the coast towards Jerusalem.
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What Happened Today in History on January 13
Explore the historical events that shaped our world on January 13th. 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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The Council of Troyes, convened by Bernard of Clairvaux, acting as a Legate of Pope Honorius II, grants official sanction from the papacy to the Templar Order (Knights Templar) which had been founded in 1119 by some French noblemen. The act officially recognized the military order as an "army of God".
The order and the rules were subsequently approved by Pope Honorius II. The Templar Order gradually increase it size, power and gaining considerable influence. It was eventually abolished by Pope Clement V who disbanded the order in 1312. More
The Principality of Wales becomes united with England following the Statute of Rhuddlan.
King Casimir III of Poland begins his reign, focusing on domestic reforms and strengthening the kingdom.
King Edward III of England convenes Parliament at York, establishing the principle of the northern host.
The English Parliament grants funds for King Edward III's war against France.
Charles IV of Luxembourg is crowned King of the Romans in Bonn.
King Henry IV, wary of anything that could weaken the crown, signed the Act Against Multipliers into law in an effort to protect the authority of the government by preventing the debasement of currency.
The Act forbade the transmutation of base metals into gold or silver, which one might then use to create counterfeit coins. Later, although the law was meant to outlaw the process, the government charged alchemists expensive licenses to practice. The act remained in effect until it was repealed in 1689. More
The Council of Pisa is announced, aiming to resolve the Western Schism by deposing both Pope Gregory XII and Antipope Benedict XIII.
Completion of the Trondheim Cathedral in Norway after several decades of construction.
The University of Copenhagen is officially inaugurated in Denmark.
English astronomer Thomas Digges publishes a work promoting the Copernican system of astronomy.
Cardinal Richelieu lays the foundation stone for the Church of the Sorbonne in Paris.
The Massacre of Glencoe occurs in Scotland when government troops slaughter the MacDonald clan.
The University of Notre Dame is founded in Indiana, United States.
The United States Congress establishes the Smithsonian Institution.
The Spanish-American War ends with the signing of the Treaty of Paris, ceding Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines to the United States.
An earthquake in Avezzano, Italy, kills over 29,000 people.
The Costa Concordia cruise ship runs aground off Italy, resulting in 32 deaths.
A false missile alert causes panic in Hawaii, warning of an incoming ballistic missile threat.
The U.S. House of Representatives impeaches President Donald Trump for the second time, charging him with "incitement of insurrection."