Events on 20 May 50
See all →Year 325
The First Council of Nicaea is formally opened, starting the first ecumenical council of the Christian Church.
Year 491
Empress Ariadne marries Anastasius I. The widowed Augusta is able to choose her successor for the Byzantine throne, after Zeno (late emperor) dies of dysentery.
Year 685
The Battle of Dun Nechtain is fought between a Pictish army under King Bridei III and the invading Northumbrians under King Ecgfrith, who are decisively defeated.
Year 794
King Æthelberht II of East Anglia visits the royal Mercian court at Sutton Walls, with a view to marrying princess Ælfthryth. He is taken captive and beheaded.
Year 1217
The Second Battle of Lincoln is fought near Lincoln, England, resulting in the defeat of Prince Louis of France by William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke.
Year 1293
King Sancho IV of Castile creates the Estudio de Escuelas de Generales in Alcalá de Henares.
Year 1449
The Battle of Alfarrobeira is fought, establishing the House of Braganza as a principal royal family of Portugal.
Year 1497
John Cabot sets sail from Bristol, England, on his ship Matthew looking for a route to the west (other documents give a May 2 date).
Year 1498
Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama discovers the sea route to India when he arrives at Kozhikode (previously known as Calicut), India.
Public Holidays Around The World On This Day 2
Birthdays on 20 May 192
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Deaths on 20 May 93
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