By Day: Historical Events on February 23rd

Martyrdom of Saint Polycarp in Smyrna, an important figure in early Christian history.

Pope John XII crowns Otto I's son Otto II as co-emperor.

Battle of Manzikert: Seljuk Turks defeat the Byzantine Empire, leading to the loss of Anatolia.

Duke Welf I is assassinated, possibly on orders from Emperor Henry IV.

1284, February 23 - Statute of Rhuddlan: King Edward I of England creates laws for Wales.

Battle of Monte Catini: Forces loyal to Florence defeat those of Pisa in Italy

Battle of Kassel: German mercenaries under Enguerrand VII of Coucy defeat Hainaut forces during the Brabant Revolution.

Vlad the Impaler (Dracula) becomes the ruler of Wallachia for the first time, starting his legacy.

George Plantagenet, Duke of Clarence, is executed for treason against his brother, King Edward IV of England.

The Fifth Council of the Lateran, an important council of the Roman Catholic Church, is convened by Pope Leo X in Rome.

King Henry VIII secretly marries Anne Boleyn, leading to the English Reformation and the separation of the Church of England from the Roman Catholic Church.

1757, February 23 - The Battle of Chandannagar takes place, leading to the capture of the French fort by the British during the Seven Years' War.

The Battle of the Alamo begins in San Antonio, Texas, between Texan rebels and Mexican forces during the Texas Revolution.

The raising of the U.S. flag over Mount Suribach is photographed by Joe Rosenthal of the Associated Press, The iconic photograph went on to become one of the best-known photographic images of the Pacific war.