On This Day: October 22nd

A solar eclipse occurs over China, one of the earliest recorded in human history, reportedly resulting in the executions of two astronomers who failed to predict it.

The College of New Jersey (later renamed Princeton University) receives its charter.

The War of Jenkins' Ear begins with the first attack on La Guaira.

Construction of the Ladoga Canal is completed in Russia.

J. S. Bach leads the first performance of Schmücke dich, o liebe Seele (Adorn yourself, O dear soul) in Leipzig on the 20th Sunday after Trinity, based on the communion hymn of the same name.

The Russian Empire is proclaimed by Tsar Peter I after the Swedish defeat in the Great Northern War.

The male line of the Portuguese House of Burgundy becomes extinct with the death of King Fernando, leaving only his daughter Beatrice. Rival claimants begin a period of civil war and disorder.

Abbasid general Ahmad ibn Kayghalagh leads a raid against the Byzantine Empire, taking 4,000-5,000 captives.

Japanese Emperor Kanmu relocates his empire's capital to Heian-kyō (now Kyoto).

The Chalcedonian Creed, regarding the divine and human nature of Jesus, is adopted by the Council of Chalcedon, an ecumenical council.