On This Day

What Happened in August 1578

Historical Events

  • Aug 2 Battle of Rijmenam: Spanish Habsberg forces defeated by Dutch troops (Eighty Years' War)
  • Aug 4 Battle of Alcazarquivir, Moroccans defeat Portuguese, 10,000 killed
  • Aug 13 Duke Frans of Anjou recognized as protector of Netherlands

Famous Birthdays

  • Aug 5 Charles d'Albert, duc of Luynes, French courtier, favourite of Louis XIII and Constable of France, born in Longueville, France (d. 1621)
  • Aug 17 Francesco Albani, Italian painter (d. 1660)

Famous Deaths

  • Aug 4 Sebastiaan, King of Portugal (1557-78), dies in battle at about 24
  • Aug 4 Thomas Stucley, English adventurer
  • Aug 11 Pedro Nunes, [Nonius], Port mathematician/astronomer (nonius), dies

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