On this day: 08/01/307

Jin Huaidi becomes emperor of China in succession to his father, Jin Huidi, despite a challenge from his uncle, Sima Ying.

On this day: 08/01/871

Æthelred I and Alfred the Great lead a West Saxon army to repel an invasion by Danelaw Vikings.

On this day: 08/01/1297

François Grimaldi, disguised as a monk, leads his men to capture the fortress protecting the Rock of Monaco, establishing his family as the rulers of Monaco.

On this day: 08/01/1454

The papal bull Romanus Pontifex awards the Kingdom of Portugal exclusive trade and colonization rights to all of Africa south of Cape Bojador.

On this day: 08/01/1499

Louis XII of France marries Anne of Brittany in accordance with a law set by his predecessor, Charles VIII.

On this day: 08/01/1547

The first Lithuanian-language book, the Catechism of Martynas Mažvydas, is published in Königsberg.

On this day: 08/01/1735

The premiere of George Frideric Handel's Ariodante takes place at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden.

On this day: 08/01/1746

Second Jacobite rising: Bonnie Prince Charlie occupies Stirling.

On this day: 08/01/1790

George Washington delivers the first State of the Union address in New York City.

On this day: 08/01/1806

The Dutch Cape Colony in southern Africa becomes the British Cape Colony as a result of the Battle of Blaauwberg.