25 May in history
6 events that happened on 25 May, from 1085 to 1977.
✦ Anniversary of the day
1085 CE 941 years ago
Alfonso VI of Castile takes Toledo
Alfonso VI entered Toledo after its Muslim ruler surrendered. The old Visigothic capital became a centre where Christian, Jewish and Muslim scholars translated Arabic learning into Latin.
1521 CE 505 years ago
Charles V issues the Edict of Worms against Luther
The emperor declared Martin Luther an outlaw and banned his writings. Protected by Frederick the Wise at the Wartburg, Luther began translating the New Testament into German.
1787 CE 239 years ago
Constitutional Convention opens in Philadelphia
Delegates reached a quorum at the Pennsylvania State House and chose George Washington to preside. Over the summer they drafted the US Constitution.
1803 CE 223 years ago
Ralph Waldo Emerson is born in Boston
Emerson became the leading voice of Transcendentalism. Essays such as 'Self-Reliance' shaped American thought and influenced Thoreau and Whitman.
1977 CE 49 years ago
Star Wars opens in American cinemas
George Lucas's space adventure opened in a few dozen cinemas and became the highest-grossing film to that date. It reshaped Hollywood around the blockbuster and merchandising.
