A complex of territories in central Europe, covering at various times modern-day Germany Switzerland, Austria, the Low Countries, and parts of northern Italy and the Czech Republic. It developed during the Early Middle Ages and existed through the Early Modern period.
Holy Roman Empire
Fact of the Day
Philip II of France decided on his wedding day that he didn't like his wife. So he sent her to a nunnery and ordered her to stay there.
Quote of the Day
"You have no idea how hard it is to live out a great romance.
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~ Wallis Simpson
On This Day
1120 The Council of Nablus was held. It established the first written laws for the crusader Kingdom of Jerusalem.
1547 Ivan the Terrible was crowned Czar of Russia.
1572 Thomas Howard, 4th Duke of Norfolk, was tried for high treason for plotting to replace Elizabeth with Mary, Queen of Scots.
1909 Ernest Shackleton's team discovered the approximate location of the South Magnetic Pole.
1919 The US Constitution's 18th Amendment was ratified banning the manufacture, sale, or transportation of intoxicating liquors.
1920 The League of Nations held its first meeting in Paris. The primary aims of the League were to promote peace and prevent war.
1945 Hitler descended into his bunker, which would be his home and headquarters until his death on 30th April.
1979 Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi, the leader of Iran since 1941, was forced to flee following increasing political unrest.
1980 Paul McCartney was arrested for bringing marijuana into Japan and spent 9 days in jail.