7 September in history
8 events that happened on 7 September, from 1159 to 1940.
1159 CE 867 years ago
A divided election makes Alexander III pope
After the death of Adrian IV, a majority of the cardinals elected Cardinal Rolando of Siena as Pope Alexander III, but a minority chose Ottaviano de Monticelli as Victor IV, beginning a schism that lasted until 1178.
1228 CE 798 years ago
Frederick II lands at Acre on the Sixth Crusade
Emperor Frederick II arrived at Acre and was warmly received by the Templars, Hospitallers and clergy, but, being excommunicated by Pope Gregory IX, was denied the kiss of peace. Without a major battle, he negotiated Jerusalem's return to Christian rule in 1229.
1303 CE 723 years ago
French troops seize Pope Boniface VIII at Anagni
After Pope Boniface VIII excommunicated Philip IV of France, the king's troops, led by his councillor Guillaume de Nogaret, attacked the pope's residence at Anagni and captured him. Boniface was held for three days and died a month later.
1533 CE 493 years ago
The future Elizabeth I is born at Greenwich
Anne Boleyn gave birth to a daughter, Elizabeth, a disappointment to Henry VIII, who wanted a son. As queen for 44 years she defeated the Armada and presided over a golden age of English culture.
✦ Anniversary of the day
1812 CE 214 years ago
Napoleon and Kutuzov fight the Battle of Borodino
Some 70,000 men fell at Borodino, the bloodiest single day of the Napoleonic Wars. The Russians withdrew, and a week later Napoleon entered an abandoned Moscow that was soon ablaze.
Born on 7 September 3
Died on 7 September 8
Dates as the sources give them: in the Julian calendar before 1582, and in some countries for longer (Britain until 1752, Russia until 1918). Only people whose day of birth or death the records agree on are listed.