The Siege of Montsegur ends today with the capture of the Castle and the burning to death of 200 Cathars. The Siege was part of The Albigensian Crusades (a religious pogrom which occurred between The Catholic Church and The Cathar (Dualist) Movement.
The Battle of Boroughbridge was fought today. Part of The Despenser Wars (a war over succession rights) - it was fought between King Richard II (England) and Earl Thomas (Lancaster).
Explorer Ferdinand Magellan reaches The Philippine Islands, today.
James Madison (VA/US), is born today. He will become the 4th President of The United States. It was his prodding that ratified The US Constitution. He also co-wrote the now famous work on early American Democracy known as “The Federalist Papers”.
John Howell (US), was born today. An Inventor and Army Officer – Howell is best remembered for inventing the Gyroscope (for Torpedo stabilization), The “Disappearing” (Retractable) Cannon and improved high-explosive shells.
The “My Lai Massacre” happened today, when US Army Forces on a Search & Destroy Mission in Vietnam (acting on poor intelligence), kill between 200 and 500 suspected Viet Cong sympathizers.