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
When the computer mouse was first mentioned in a publication in 1965, it was called an 'x-y position indicator'.
Quote of the Day
"Water knee deep and up to the waist in places. Rumours of being relieved by the Grand Fleet.
"
~ British First World War soldier writing about the trenches in his diary
On This Day
1016 Cnut defeated Edmund Ironside at the Battle of Assandun, forcing Edmund to make a peace with the invading Danes: he got to keep Wessex, but the rest of England came under Danish rule. A month later, he had died of 'natural causes' so Wessex, too, went to Cnut.
1216 King John died of dysentery. He was succeeded by his nine year old son, Henry III.
1867 The US officially took possession of Alaska. It wasn't a popular decision at the time.
1922 The BBC was founded.
