Liu Yan proclaimed himself emperor, establishing the Southern Han kingdom in southern China. His reign was part of the Ten Kingdoms period, following the collapse of the Tang Dynasty. Southern Han remained one of the more stable and prosperous of these kingdoms, playing a significant role in the political fragmentation of medieval China.
917 – Liu Yan Declares Himself Emperor of Southern Han
Philip II of Spain declared bankruptcy due to financial difficulties from prolonged military campaigns, including the Dutch Revolt and Mediterranean wars. The kingdom’s vast empire strained its resources, and Spain’s default on debt weakened its position in Europe. This event marked the beginning of the economic challenges that led to Spain's imperial decline.
1575 – Philip II of Spain Declares Bankruptcy
The ancient city of Pompeii, buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, was rediscovered in 1590 near Naples, Italy. Preserved under volcanic ash, Pompeii provided an unprecedented archaeological treasure, offering historians and scholars a glimpse into Roman life, with well-preserved buildings, art, and human remains that captured a moment in history.
1590 – Ruins of Pompeii Discovered
Peter I of Russia, known as Peter the Great, introduced a beard tax as part of his efforts to modernize Russian society according to European standards. Men who kept their beards were required to pay a fee. This policy reflected Peter’s broader push to reform Russia's customs and align the country more closely with Western Europe.
1698 – Peter the Great Imposes Beard Tax
Sam Houston was elected the first president of the Republic of Texas following its independence from Mexico. Houston's leadership was instrumental in maintaining Texas’ independence and guiding it toward eventual annexation by the United States.
