On This Day: August 9th

Caesar's Civil War: Battle of Pharsalus: Julius Caesar decisively defeats Pompey at Pharsalus and Pompey flees to Egypt.

The Webster-Ashburton Treaty is signed, establishing the United States-Canada border east of the Rocky Mountains.

Louis Philippe becomes the king of the French following abdication of Charles X.

American Indian Wars: The Creek sign the Treaty of Fort Jackson, giving up huge parts of Alabama and Georgia.

Napoleon annexes Westphalia as part of the First French Empire.

The First Anglo-Powhatan War begins in colonial Virginia.

Ottoman-Venetian War (1499-1503): The Ottomans capture Methoni, Messenia.

Quilon, the first Indian Christian Diocese, is erected by Pope John XXII; the French-born Jordanus is appointed the first Bishop.

Construction of the campanile of the Cathedral of Pisa (now known as the Leaning Tower of Pisa) begins; it will take two centuries to complete.

Gothic War: Battle of Adrianople: A large Roman army led by Emperor Valens is defeated by the Visigoths. Valens is killed along with over half of his army.