Pope Clement II, who had been installed by Emperor Henry III, dies suddenly.on October 9, 1047. His death, which came less than a year after his election, is widely attributed to poisoning.
View Historical Events by Day:
What Happened Today in History on October 9
Explore the historical events that shaped our world on October 9th. From major milestones to cultural achievements, see what happened on this day in history. Dates for earlier events may be approximate.
Note: Sources for the historical content shown, include research and reviews of relevant Online History Resources or printed material. When possible, we show a link to a source which provides additional or unique perspective about the event.
We do our best to provide accurate information but would appreciate being notified if any incorrect information is found. You may do so by using our Feedback link.
Supernova Kepler's Star becomes visible, leading to Johannes Kepler's study of its movement.
Dutch sea captain Dirk Hartog makes the second recorded landfall by a European on Australian soil.
Napoleon Bonaparte stages a coup d'état, overthrowing the French Directory and establishing the French Consulate.
The Hoover Dam begins transmitting electricity to Los Angeles, marking the start of its electrical generation and transmission service. The first generator at the dam had been officially activated by President Roosevelt. almost a month earlier on September 11, 1936.
A massive landslide from Monte Toc in the Belluno Alps in Northern Italy, plunges into the artificial lake in the Vaiont Gorge behind the Diga del Vajon dam; creating an immense wave of water to rise as high as 300 feet above the level of the dam and into the Piave River flooding the valley below, engulfing the town of Longarone.
Within minutes the town had almost vanished killing nearly 2,000 people the wave of water then rushed down to San Martino, where it killed hundreds more. The dam itself was almost totally undamaged and two-thirds of the water was retained behind it.
North Korea conducts its first nuclear test.
President Barack Obama is awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation. View all Nobel Peace Prizes
The Nobel Peace Prize for 2015 is awarded to National Dialogue Quartet "for its decisive contribution to the building of a pluralistic democracy in Tunisia in the wake of the Jasmine Revolution of 2011." View all Nobel Peace Prizes
Turkey launches a military offensive into northern Syria against Kurdish forces.