According to some Christian traditions, the Baptism of Jesus Christ in the Jordan River occurs.
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What Happened Today in History on January 6
Explore the historical events that shaped our world on January 6th. 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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Harold Godwineson, head of the most powerful noble family in England, is crowned King Harold II, following the death of Edward the Confessor, leading to a war of succession involving Tostig, brother of Harold, King Harald III Hardraade of Norway and William, duke of Normandy.
King Harold managed to fight and kill Tostig and King Harald III at the Battle of Stamford Bridge near York but was himself soon defeated and killed by William at the Battle of Hastings. Almost a year after Edward the Confessor's death, on Christmas Day, 1066, William the Conqueror was crowned the first Norman king of England. More
The Medici family gains power in Florence as Giovanni de' Medici becomes head of the family's bank. (Medici Bank) which had been founded in 1397. Giovanni expanded it, eventually becoming the official bank of the papacy
King Henry VIII of England marries Anne of Cleves, his fourth wife. The marriage was declared unconsummated and was annulled after a few months. Anne was not crowned queen consort.
It is believed that the marriage took place because Henry VIII thought he needed to form a political alliance with her brother, William, a leader of the Protestants of Western Germany, to strengthen his position against potential attacks from Catholic France and the Holy Roman Empire. Following the annulment, Henry gave her a generous settlement and Anne was thereafter known as the King's Beloved Sister. Remaining in England, she lived to see the reigns of Henry's children, Edward VI and Mary I, and attended Mary's coronation in 1553. Anne outlived the rest of Henry's wives.
The Union of Arras is signed, reconciling the Catholic southern provinces of the Netherlands with King Philip II of Spain.
The first copyright legislation is enacted in Great Britain, known as the Statute of Anne.
The Ordinance of 1787 is passed, establishing the Northwest Territory and laying the groundwork for the eventual creation of new states.
The National Trust for Places of Historic Interest or Natural Beauty is founded in England.
New Mexico is admitted into the United States becoming the 47th State.
The first all-glass windowless building, the Owens-Illinois Glass Company, is completed in Toledo, Ohio.
Franklin D. Roosevelt delivers his "Four Freedoms" speech during the State of the Union Address.
Pro-Trump supporters storm the United States Capitol in a violent insurrection, disrupting the certification of Joe Biden's presidential victory forcing lawmakers into hiding. Most of the rioters had come from a nearby rally where Trump urged them to “fight like hell.”