On February 23, history records 50 notable events, 146 famous births and 74 deaths, spanning the years 303 to 1854.
Events on this day include: Roman emperor Diocletian orders the destruction of the Christian church in Nicomedia, beginning eight years of Diocletianic Persecution. (303); Byzantine emperor Justinian I orders the building of a new Orthodox Christian basilica in Constantinople - the Hagia Sophia. (532).
Notable people born on February 23 include Pope Paul II (1417), Louis IX, Duke of Bavaria (1417), Matthias Corvinus (1443).
Notable figures who died on this day include Al-Walid I (715), Li Keyong (908), Herbert II, Count of Vermandois (943).
Events on 23 February 50
See all →Roman emperor Diocletian orders the destruction of the Christian church in Nicomedia, beginning eight years of Diocletianic Persecution.
Byzantine emperor Justinian I orders the building of a new Orthodox Christian basilica in Constantinople - the Hagia Sophia.
Traditional date for the publication of the Gutenberg Bible, the first Western book printed with movable type.
Mapuche forces, under the leadership of Lautaro, score a victory over the Spanish at the Battle of Marihueñu in Chile.
At York Castle, the outlaw Dick Turpin is identified by his former schoolteacher. Turpin had been using the name Richard Palmer.
American Revolutionary War: Baron von Steuben arrives at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania to help to train the Continental Army.
Cato Street Conspiracy: A plot to murder all the British cabinet ministers is exposed.
Texas Revolution: The Siege of the Alamo (prelude to the Battle of the Alamo) begins in San Antonio, Texas.
Mexican-American War: Battle of Buena Vista: In Mexico, American troops under future president General Zachary Taylor defeat Mexican General Antonio López de Santa Anna.
Public Holidays Around The World On This Day 8
Birthdays on 23 February 146
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Deaths on 23 February 74
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