On This Day: August 25th

Seven Years' War: Frederick II of Prussia defeats the Russian army at the Battle of Zorndorf.

Portuguese forces are defeated by the Kingdom of Kandy at the Battle of Randeniwela in Sri Lanka.

Galileo Galilei demonstrates his first telescope to Venetian lawmakers.

War of the Portuguese Succession: Spanish victory at the Battle of Alcântara brings about the Iberian Union.

António Mota and a few companions become the first Europeans to visit Japan.

The Honourable Artillery Company, the oldest surviving regiment in the British Army, and the second most senior, is formed.

Philip III, although suffering from dysentery, becomes King of France following the death of his father Louis IX, during the Eighth Crusade. His uncle, Charles I of Naples, is forced to begin peace negotiations with Muhammad I al-Mustansir, Hafsid Sultan of Tunis.

Regent George Mouzalon and his brothers are killed during a coup headed by the aristocratic faction under Michael VIII Palaiologos, paving the way for its leader to ultimately usurp the throne of the Empire of Nicaea.

The Dutch city of Ommen receives city rights and fortification rights from Otto III, the Archbishop of Utrecht.

Emperor Constantine V humiliates nineteen high-ranking officials, after discovering a plot against him. He executes the leaders, Constantine Podopagouros and his brother Strategios.