On This Day in History, June 13 stands out for events that influenced empires, law, diplomacy, politics and global affairs. The death of Alexander the Great marked the end of one of history's most consequential reigns, while the signing of the Anglo-Portuguese alliance created a diplomatic relationship that endures to this day. The date also witnessed landmark developments in civil rights and criminal justice in the United States, including Thurgood Marshall's Supreme Court nomination and the Miranda ruling. In modern times, a historic meeting between the leaders of North and South Korea, major cultural moments and unprecedented political and corporate developments further cemented June 13's place in history.
323 BCE: Death of Alexander the Great
Alexander the Great, the king of Macedonia, died in Babylon. His death ended the rule of one of the ancient world's most influential military leaders. The event marked a turning point in history as it concluded a reign that left a lasting impact across vast territories.
1373: Anglo-Portuguese alliance signed
The Anglo-Portuguese Treaty of Perpetual Alliance was signed in London by King Edward III of England and King Ferdinand I of Portugal. The agreement established a diplomatic partnership that remains the world's oldest alliance still in existence, making it a significant milestone in international relations.
1381: Peasants' Revolt reaches London
Rebels involved in the Peasants' Revolt entered London and, together with local residents, attacked prisons, destroyed Savoy Palace and targeted individuals associated with the royal government. The uprising became one of the most notable episodes of social unrest in medieval England.
1774: Rhode Island bans slave imports
Rhode Island became the first colony to prohibit the importation of slaves. The move represented an early legislative action against the slave trade and marked an important development in colonial policy.
1789: Ice cream served to George Washington
Mrs Alexander Hamilton served ice cream as dessert to George Washington. The occasion became a notable historical anecdote associated with social life during the early years of the United States.
1865: Reconstruction proclaimed
President Andrew Johnson proclaimed the reconstruction of the Confederate states. The announcement was an important step in the process of rebuilding and reorganising the United States following the Civil War.
1898: Yukon Territory established
Canada established the Yukon Territory and selected Dawson as its capital. The creation of the territory marked an important administrative development in the country's northern region.
1910: Early aviation milestone achieved
Pilot Charles Hamilton completed the first one-day round-trip flight between New York and Philadelphia. The achievement highlighted the rapid progress of aviation during its formative years.
1920: Postal service restricts parcel post shipments of children
The US Post Office declared that children could no longer be sent through parcel post after several instances of the practice. The decision brought an end to an unusual use of the postal system.
1966: Miranda ruling delivered
The US Supreme Court ruled in favour of Ernesto Miranda in Miranda v. Arizona. The decision affirmed that constitutional protections against self-incrimination place limits on police interrogation of arrested suspects, making it one of the most influential rulings in American legal history.
1967: Thurgood Marshall nominated to Supreme Court
President Lyndon B. Johnson nominated Thurgood Marshall to serve on the US Supreme Court. Marshall later became the Court's first African American justice, making the nomination a landmark moment in the history of the American judiciary.
1974: IMF creates oil facility
The International Monetary Fund established its oil facility, a special fund designed to provide loans to countries whose balance of payments had been severely affected by rising oil prices. The measure reflected international efforts to address economic challenges linked to energy costs.
1976: Bob Marley performs in Amsterdam
Bob Marley performed at Jaap Edenhal in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. The concert added to the global reach of one of reggae music's most influential figures.
1981: Blank shots fired at Queen Elizabeth II
A teenager fired six blank rounds at Queen Elizabeth II. The incident drew significant attention because it involved the British monarch during a public appearance.
1990: Boeing sets non-stop commercial flight record
A Boeing 767-200ER established a non-stop commercial flight record by travelling 9,253 miles from Seattle to Nairobi, Kenya. The accomplishment demonstrated the growing capabilities of long-distance commercial aviation.
2000: Historic Korean summit held
South Korean President Kim Dae-Jung met North Korean leader Kim Jong Il in Pyongyang. The summit marked the first meeting between the leaders of the two countries and was widely regarded as a breakthrough in inter-Korean relations, later helping Kim Dae-Jung receive the Nobel Peace Prize.
2000: Samuel L. Jackson honoured in Hollywood
Samuel L. Jackson received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The recognition celebrated his contributions to the entertainment industry.
2005: Michael Jackson acquitted
After a 14-week trial that attracted intense media attention, Michael Jackson was acquitted of child-molestation charges. The verdict ended one of the most closely watched celebrity court cases of its time.
2018: 2026 FIFA World Cup hosts selected
2026 FIFA World Cup was awarded to the joint bid from the United States, Canada and Mexico following a vote by the FIFA Congress. The decision determined the hosts of one of the world's biggest sporting events.
2023: Trump charged in federal case
Donald Trump became the first former US president to face federal criminal charges when he was arraigned in a Miami courtroom. He pleaded not guilty to 37 felony charges connected to his alleged handling of classified documents, making the case a historic moment in American politics.
2024: Tesla shareholders approve Musk pay package
Elon Musk secured shareholder approval for a $46 billion compensation package at Tesla . The deal was described as the largest pay package in American corporate history, making it a significant corporate governance milestone.
2025: Operation Rising Lion launched
Israel carried out Operation Rising Lion, striking dozens of targets in Iran, including nuclear facilities, military sites and private residences. The operation reportedly killed senior military commanders and scientists as part of an effort aimed at eliminating Iran's nuclear ambitions.
Days celebrated on June 13
World Softball DayWorld Softball Day is observed on June 13 to celebrate the sport of softball and recognise the athletes, coaches and communities associated with it. The day highlights the game's global reach and encourages greater participation and appreciation of the sport.
National Dragonfly Day
National Dragonfly Day is marked on June 13 to raise awareness about dragonflies and their importance in nature. The observance promotes appreciation of these insects and encourages interest in their role in the environment.
