The unpopular Roman Emperor Elagabalus and his mother were assassinated by the Praetorian Guard on March 13, 222 CE and Alexander Severus, Praetorian's 13-year-old cousin becomes emperor; leading to a more stable reign, although he ruled under the strong guidance of his mother, Julia Mamaea.
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On This Day in History: March 13
Explore the historical events that shaped our world on March 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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Conrad III was crowned King of the Romans (Germany) on March 13, 1138, in Aachen, following the death of Emperor Lothair III, marking the start of the Hohenstaufen dynasty. He designated his nephew, Frederick Barbarossa, as his successor instead of his young son.
Conrad III ruled as king for 14 years but was never crowned Emperor by the Pope. He continued to use the title "King of the Romans" until his death in 1152.
1274, March 13 - The Second Council of Lyon opens under Pope Gregory X.
c. 1519, March 13
Hernán Cortés and his Spanish conquistadors arrive at the coast of Mexico, c, March 13, 1519 and land near present-day Veracruz on April 22, 1519, establishing a base there , marking the beginning of their conquest of the Aztec Empire, leading to their entry into Tenochtitlán on November 8, 1519.
The March 13,1 610 publication of Galileo Galilei's "Sidereus Nuncius" announces his discovery of Jupiter's moons earlier in January 1610, presenting the first telescopic proof of celestial bodies orbiting another planet, challenging Earth-centered views.
Astronomer William Herschel Identifies Uranus as the Seventh Planet. More
The German composer Richard Strauss is born.
Alexander II, the Emperor of Russia, is assassinated in Saint Petersburg, Russia on his way back to the Winter Palace from Mikhailovsky Manège. The assassination was planned and executed by the Narodnaya Volya ("People's Will") organization. The assassination is popularly considered to be the most successful action by the Russian nihilist movement of the 19th century.
Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio becomes Pope Francis, the first Jesuit pope and the first from the Americas.
Pope Francis is elected as the 266th pope of the Catholic Church, becoming the first Jesuit pope and the first from the Americas.