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What Happened Today in History on September 3

Explore the historical events that shaped our world on September 3rd. From major milestones to cultural achievements, see what happened on this day in history. Dates for earlier events may be approximate.

The Byzantine Empire defeats the Abbasid Caliphate at the Battle of Lalakaon. The or Battle of Poson or Porson

Richard I (Richard the Lionheart) of England is crowned at Westminster Abbey.

The Battle of Ain Jalut takes place between the Mongol Empire led by Kitbuqa and the Mamluk Sultanate of Egypt led by Sultan Qutuz with his General, Baybars. It was a pivotal battle resulting in a significant defeat of the Mongol Empire, halting their expansion into the Muslim territory. The battle was fought in present-day Israel. More

The University of Barcelona is established by King Alfonso V of Aragon.

Henry Hudson’s party aboard the ship Half Moon arrives at what would be called the Hudson River on a trip funded by the Dutch East India Company to discover a water passage to the east. He stopped to trade with the local natives, and proceeded as far as present-day Albany.

The Battle of Dunbar takes place during the English Civil War, resulting in a decisive victory for the English Parliamentarians over the Scottish Covenanters. More

English Parliamentarian forces under Oliver Cromwell decisively defeat the Royalists at the Battle of Worcester.

The Treaty of Paris is signed, officially ending the American Revolutionary War and recognizing the United States as an independent nation. More

France and the United Kingdom declare war on Germany, two days after  Nazi Germany invaded Poland, marking the start of WWII

Montgomery’s 8th Army crosses the Strait of Messina from Sicily and lands at Calabria, beginning the invasion of the Italian mainland.

Italy secretly signs an armistice with the Allies, effectively surrendering in World War II and leading to the collapse of Fascist rule in Italy. No public announcement was made until five days later. 

Qatar, officially the State of Qatar, declares independence from Britain after negotiations with neighboring sheikhdoms (present day United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.) and Bahrain). The earlier Protectory agreement with Britain was replaced with a treaty of friendship. Qatar's 2024 population was estimated to be 3.2 Million.

Viking 2 lands on Mars at Utopia Planitia Mars after a nearly year long journey and begins relaying information about the planet's atmosphere and soil as well as color photographs of the rocky surface.