Peace of Westphalia: Thirty Years' War Ends
Diplomats from across Europe signed the Peace of Westphalia treaties in Munster and Osnabruck, ending both the Thirty Years' War and the Eighty Years' War in a single comprehensive settlement. The agreements established the principle of national sovereignty that still governs international relations, making this the founding moment of the modern state system.
October 24, 1648
378 years ago
Key Figures & Places
What Else Happened on October 24
Vespasian’s legions crushed the forces of Emperor Vitellius at the Second Battle of Bedriacum, ending the chaotic Year of the Four Emperors. This decisive victo…
Vitellius had held Rome for eight months. His soldiers were drunk and undisciplined. Antonius Primus commanded legions from the Danube—hardened troops who'd bee…
Afonso Henriques took Lisbon back from the Moors with help from 13,000 Crusaders who'd stopped on their way to the Holy Land. The siege lasted four months. The …
Chartres Cathedral was dedicated on October 24, 1260, in the presence of King Louis IX—Saint Louis. Construction had taken 66 years. The previous cathedral burn…
Qutuz had stopped the Mongols at Ain Jalut two months earlier, the first time anyone had defeated them in open battle. He was returning to Cairo in triumph. Bai…
The cathedral had burned in 1194. Only the crypt and west facade survived. Rebuilding took 66 years. King Louis IX attended the dedication with his entire court…
Talk to History
Have a conversation with historical figures who witnessed this era. Ask questions, explore perspectives, and bring history to life.