On orders from King Philip IV of France, hundreds of Knights Templar were arrested, accused of heresy, fraud, and other crimes. This marked the beginning of the downfall of the powerful medieval order, leading to its eventual dissolution by Pope Clement V. The mass arrest on Friday the 13th contributed to the superstition that the day is considered unlucky.
1307 – Arrest of the Knights Templar
Mexico's Declaration of Independence was publicly proclaimed, formally severing ties with Spanish rule. This marked the beginning of the First Mexican Empire under Agustín de Iturbide. It ended three centuries of Spanish colonial rule, setting the foundation for an independent Mexico. Although the empire was short-lived, it was a crucial step toward the establishment of the modern Mexican republic.
1821 – Mexican Declaration of Independence Proclaimed
The Boston Red Sox, then known as the Boston Americans, defeated the Pittsburgh Pirates in the eighth game of the first modern World Series. This victory established Major League Baseball’s championship tradition. The best-of-nine series, played between the American League and National League champions, became an enduring event, shaping professional baseball into a central part of American sports culture.
1903 – Boston Red Sox Win First World Series
The Battle of Loos ended with heavy casualties on both sides, marking one of the largest British offensives on the Western Front during World War I. It exposed the limitations of early trench warfare and the devastating effects of gas attacks. The battle’s failure led to criticisms of British military strategy and influenced changes in leadership within the British high command.
1915 – End of the Battle of Loos
Ankara was officially declared the capital of the Republic of Turkey, replacing Istanbul. This decision was part of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk's reforms to modernize and centralize governance. Ankara’s location in the heart of Anatolia symbolized Turkey’s break from its Ottoman past, reinforcing the vision of a new, secular, and progressive republic, distinct from the empire’s historical administrative centers.
