Box-office #1
The Empire Strikes Back
1980 · dir. Irvin Kershner
Wide US release on May 23, 1980. Goes on to become the highest-grossing film of the year.
Sci-fiStar Wars $538M worldwide
On this day
August 12 Wednesday, August 12, 2026
A curious almanac of what happened on August 12 across the years — history, birthdays, the songs that ruled the charts, the films that packed cinemas, and the science that nudged the world forward.
12
Events
7
Birthdays
6
Holidays
1687
War 339 years ago
Battle of Mohács: Charles of Lorraine defeats the Ottoman Empire.
Charles of Lorraine leads Habsburg forces to a decisive victory over the Ottoman Empire at Mohács, reversing the Hungarian defeat of 1526.
History
What happened on August 12
12 verified entries Full timeline
- 1099War
First Crusade: Battle of Ascalon Crusaders under the command of Godfrey of Bouillon defeat Fatimid forces led by Al-Afdal Shahanshah. This is considered the last engagement of the First Crusade.
Godfrey of Bouillon leads Crusader forces to victory over Fatimid troops at Ascalon, marking the final battle of the First Crusade.
- 1121War
Battle of Didgori: The Georgian army under King David IV wins a decisive victory over the famous Seljuk commander Ilghazi.
King David IV leads the Georgian army to victory against the Seljuk forces at Didgori.
- 1164War
Battle of Harim: Nur ad-Din Zangi defeats the Crusader armies of the County of Tripoli and the Principality of Antioch.
Nur ad-Din Zangi defeats Crusader forces from the County of Tripoli and the Principality of Antioch in the Battle of Harim.
- 1323European history
The Treaty of Nöteborg between Sweden and Novgorod Republic is signed, regulating the border between the two countries for the first time.
Sweden and the Novgorod Republic sign the Treaty of Nöteborg, establishing their first formal border and ending decades of territorial disputes.
- 1492US history
Christopher Columbus arrives in the Canary Islands on his first voyage to the New World.
Christopher Columbus arrives in the Canary Islands, beginning his historic voyage westward across the Atlantic.
- 1499War
First engagement of the Battle of Zonchio between Venetian and Ottoman fleets.
Venetian and Ottoman naval forces clash in the first engagement of the Battle of Zonchio.
- 1676US history
Praying Indian John Alderman shoots and kills Metacomet, the Wampanoag war chief, ending King Philip's War.
John Alderman kills Metacomet, the Wampanoag war chief, effectively ending King Philip's War.
- 1687War
Battle of Mohács: Charles of Lorraine defeats the Ottoman Empire.
Charles of Lorraine leads Habsburg forces to a decisive victory over the Ottoman Empire at Mohács, reversing the Hungarian defeat of 1526.
- 1765Politics
Treaty of Allahabad is signed. The Treaty marks the political and constitutional involvement and the beginning of Company rule in India.
The East India Company signs the Treaty of Allahabad, marking the start of its political and constitutional control over India.
- 1793European history
The Rhône and Loire départments are created when the former département of Rhône-et-Loire is split into two.
The former département of Rhône-et-Loire is divided into two new départments: Rhône and Loire.
- 1883World history
The last quagga dies at the Natura Artis Magistra, a zoo in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
The last known quagga, a zebra subspecies, dies at the Natura Artis Magistra zoo in Amsterdam.
- 1969UK history
Violence erupts after the Apprentice Boys of Derry march in Derry, Northern Ireland, resulting in a three-day communal riot known as the Battle of the Bogside.
Violence breaks out in Derry following an Apprentice Boys march, sparking the three-day Battle of the Bogside between Catholic residents and police.
Born today
Famous birthdays on August 12
7 this date All birthdays
🎂 48
Hayley Wickenheiser
Canadian ice hockey player
Hayley Wickenheiser, a Canadian ice hockey legend who became the first woman to play full-time professional men's hockey in a position other than goalie, turns 48 today.
Born
1978
Turns 48
today
Zerna Sharp
American author and educator
1889 – 1981
Mohammad Hatta
Indonesian statesman, 1st Vice President of Indonesia
1902 – 1980
William Goldman
American author, playwright, and screenwriter
1931 – 2018
John Cazale
American actor
1935 – 1978
Ron Mael
American keyboard player and songwriter
b. 1945 · 81
Pete Sampras
American tennis player
b. 1971 · 55
Music
The number one songs on August 12
Across the years Full chart history
🇬🇧 #1 on August 12, 1981
"Stand and Deliver"
by Adam and the Ants
The dandy highwayman spent five weeks at the top — a brash, glam-pop coronation.
#1 for 5 weeks
Also #1 on this day
- 1965"Ticket To Ride"— The Beatles
- 1972"Metal Guru"— T. Rex
- 2003"Make Luv"— Room 5 ft. Oliver Cheatham
Film & TV
At the movies
Box office #1 and premieres All releases
🏆 Sport August 12, 1984
An infamous brawl takes place at the Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium between the Atlanta Braves and San Diego Padres.
A melee breaks out during a game, resulting in eight arrests and fines totaling $125,000.
Read the story
🔬 Science August 12, 1851
Isaac Singer is granted a patent for his sewing machine.
Isaac Singer receives a patent for his innovative sewing machine design.
Read the storyToday is also
Holidays & observances
6 celebrated today
Glorious Twelfth (United Kingdom)
International
The Glorious Twelfth is the twelfth day of August, signifying the start of the shooting season for red grouse in Great Britain and Northern Ireland, with the ptarmigan also being hunted to a lesser ex
HM the Queen Mother's Birthday and National Mother's Day (Thailand)
International
Sirikit was Queen of Thailand from 28 April 1950 to 13 October 2016 as the wife of King Bhumibol Adulyadej
International Youth Day (United Nations)
International
International Youth Day (IYD) is an awareness day designated by the United Nations that takes place on August 12
Russian Air Force Day (Russia)
International
Russian Air Force Day is a professional military holiday of Russia celebrated on 12 August to honor the active and reserve personnel, as well as veterans of the Russian Aerospace Forces
Sea Org Day (Scientology)
International
The Sea Organization or Sea Org is the senior-most status of staff within the Church of Scientology network of corporations, but it is not itself incorporated
World Elephant Day (International)
International
World Elephant Day is an international annual event on August 12, dedicated to the preservation and protection of the world's elephants
❝
Gold medals are made out of sweat, blood and tears and effort in the gym every day.
— Hayley Wickenheiser · born August 12, 1978