On March 17, history records 45 notable events, 179 famous births and 90 deaths, spanning the years 180 to 1805.
Events on this day include: Marcus Aurelius dies leaving Commodus the sole emperor of the Roman Empire. (180); Petronius Maximus becomes, with support of the Roman Senate, emperor of the Western Roman Empire. (455).
Notable people born on March 17 include Harun al-Rashid (763), Emperor Shijō (1231), James IV of Scotland (1473).
Notable figures who died on this day include Marcus Aurelius (180), Amr ibn Hishām (624), Gertrude of Nivelles (659).
Events on 17 March 45
See all →Petronius Maximus becomes, with support of the Roman Senate, emperor of the Western Roman Empire.
The Raja of Butuan in what is now the Philippines sends a tributary mission to the Song dynasty.
The Battle of Los Alporchones is fought in the context of the Spanish Reconquista between the Emirate of Granada and the combined forces of the Kingdom of Castile and Murcia resulting in a Christian victory.
Fort Coligny on Villegagnon Island in Rio de Janeiro is attacked and destroyed during the Portuguese campaign against France Antarctique.
The Siege of Valenciennes, during the Franco-Dutch War, ends with France's taking of the city.
American Revolution: British forces evacuate Boston, ending the Siege of Boston, after George Washington and Henry Knox place artillery in positions overlooking the city.
American Revolution: George Washington grants the Continental Army a holiday "as an act of solidarity with the Irish in their fight for independence".
The Italian Republic, with Napoleon as president, becomes the Kingdom of Italy, with Napoleon as King.
Public Holidays Around The World On This Day 2
Birthdays on 17 March 179
See all →
Deaths on 17 March 90
See all →
