History Schmistory: April 28. Roman Emperor born as Rome is about to die…
Monday, April 28, 2025
A.D. 359, the future Roman emperor Gratian was born. He, um, had a rough life. Gratian was the son of Emperor Valentinian I. When Valentinian died, Gratian ruled in the west and his uncle Valens ruled in the east. Gratian had been fighting the Alamanni while Valens was dealing with the Goths at Adrianople. Gratian was scheduled to come to Valens’ assistance, but arrived too late to prevent the disaster. The disaster at Adrianople is one of the major turning points in the fortunes of Imperial Rome and a possible date for Rome’s fall.
Ludicrous Latin: Etiam capillus unus habet umbram
Sunday, April 27, 2025
Even one hair has a shadow.
History Schmistory: April 27. First Man to Sail Around the World Dead, Dies.
Sunday, April 27, 2025
1521: Ferdinand Magellan who got credit as the first man to circumnavigate the globe, even though he spent much of the voyage dead, was killed. After a journey beset by rebellion, treacherous weather and disease, the Concepción, the Victoria and the Trinidad finally reached the Philippines. There, where the crew recovered from their trials in a tropical paradise, Magellan became caught up in the fervor of conversion. He attempted to overcome a huge force of natives resistant to Christianity with a mere handful of men, and was killed in battle.
History Schmistory: April 26: Pazzi Conspiracy Fails
Saturday, April 26, 2025
1478: In an attempt to overthrow the Medici family from power in Florence, Girolamo Riario, Archbishop Francesco Salviati, and several members of the Pazzi family planned an assassination in the Cathedral of Florence. Pope Sixtus IV, uncle to Riario, was aware of the plot but had no hand in the assassination attempt. Lorenzo de Medici survived with some minor injuries, but his younger brother Giuliano was stabbed 29 times. He was only twenty-three. Far from ridding Florence of “tyrants,” the assassination instigated an uprising in favor of the Medici, strengthening Lorenzo’s position. Makes me want to sing!
History Schmistory: April 24. Rough Anniversary for Mary Queen of Scots
Thursday, April 24, 2025
1558: Mary Queen of Scots marries the future King Francis II of France.
1567: Mary Queen of Scots is captured by Lord Bothwell and taken to Dunbar.
1568: Mary Queen of Scots makes mental note to skip anniversary.
History Schmistory: April 23. Henry VIII becomes King.
Wednesday, April 23, 2025
1509. King Henry VIII accedes to the throne. His wife considers the whole thing a pain in the neck.
All The Countries of the World!
Tuesday, April 22, 2025
Check out our brand-spankin’-new video featuring EVERY COUNTRY on the PLANET!!
History Schmistory: April 22. Bastille Construction Begins
Tuesday, April 22, 2025
1370: Construction of the Bastille begins. Plans to build a big play toy in the back are never completed.
History Schmistory: April 21. Rome Founded.
Monday, April 21, 2025
753 BCE. The legendary date of the foundation of Rome. Legend has it that Romulus turned to Remus and said “Good food, great night life. How ’bout here?”
