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 16 Sunday, August 16, 2026
A curious almanac of what happened on August 16 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
7
Holidays
1570
European history 456 years ago
The Principality of Transylvania is established after John II Zápolya renounces his claim as King of Hungary in the Treaty of Speyer.
John II Zápolya renounces his claim to the Hungarian throne in the Treaty of Speyer, formally establishing the Principality of Transylvania.
History
What happened on August 16
12 verified entries Full timeline
- -1World history
Wang Mang consolidates his power in China and is declared marshal of state. Emperor Ai of Han, who died the previous day, had no heirs.
Wang Mang consolidates his power and is declared marshal of state following Emperor Ai's death without an heir.
- 942War
Start of the four-day Battle of al-Mada'in, between the Hamdanids of Mosul and the Baridis of Basra over control of the Abbasid capital, Baghdad.
The Battle of al-Mada'in begins as the Hamdanids of Mosul clash with the Baridis of Basra for control of Baghdad.
- 963European history
Nikephoros II Phokas is crowned emperor of the Byzantine Empire.
Nikephoros II Phokas is crowned emperor of the Byzantine Empire.
- 1328European history
The House of Gonzaga seizes power in the Duchy of Mantua, and will rule until 1708.
The House of Gonzaga seizes control of the Duchy of Mantua, ruling until 1708.
- 1513War
Battle of the Spurs (Battle of Guinegate): King Henry VIII of England and his Imperial allies defeat French Forces who are then forced to retreat.
King Henry VIII defeats French forces at the Battle of the Spurs, forcing their retreat.
- 1570European history
The Principality of Transylvania is established after John II Zápolya renounces his claim as King of Hungary in the Treaty of Speyer.
John II Zápolya renounces his claim to the Hungarian throne in the Treaty of Speyer, formally establishing the Principality of Transylvania.
- 1652European history
Battle of Plymouth: Inconclusive naval action between the fleets of Michiel de Ruyter and George Ayscue in the First Anglo-Dutch War.
Dutch admiral Michiel de Ruyter and English commander George Ayscue fight an inconclusive naval engagement off Plymouth during the First Anglo-Dutch War.
- 1777War
American Revolutionary War: The Americans led by General John Stark rout British and Brunswick troops under Friedrich Baum at the Battle of Bennington in Walloomsac, New York.
General John Stark leads American forces to a decisive victory over British and Brunswick troops under Friedrich Baum at the Battle of Bennington in Walloomsac, New York.
- 1780US history
American Revolutionary War: Battle of Camden: The British defeat the Americans near Camden, South Carolina.
The British forces defeat American troops in a decisive battle near Camden, South Carolina.
- 1837War
Three African soldiers in the 1st West India Regiment, Daaga, Edward Coffin and Maurice Ogston, were executed for their role in the St. Joseph Mutiny in the British colony of Trinidad.
Daaga, Edward Coffin, and Maurice Ogston were executed for their involvement in the St. Joseph Mutiny in Trinidad.
- 1876Culture
Richard Wagner's Siegfried, the penultimate opera in his Ring cycle, is premiered at the Bayreuth Festspielhaus.
Richard Wagner premieres "Siegfried," the third opera in his Ring cycle, at the Bayreuth Festspielhaus.
- 1916US history
The Migratory Bird Treaty between Canada and the United States is signed.
Canada and the United States sign a treaty protecting migratory birds across both countries.
Born today
Famous birthdays on August 16
7 this date All birthdays
Karl-Heinz Euling
German captain
Karl-Heinz Euling, a German captain who received the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross during World War II, was born today in 1919.
Born
1919
Died
2014
Georgette Heyer
English author
1902 – 1974
Paul Callaway
American organist and conductor
1909 – 1995
Robert Culp
American actor, director, and screenwriter
1930 – 2010
Julie Newmar
American actress
b. 1933 · 93
Kevin Ayers
English singer-songwriter and guitarist
1944 – 2013
Greyson Chance
American musician
b. 1997 · 29
Music
The number one songs on August 16
Across the years Full chart history
🇬🇧 #1 on August 16, 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 16, 1927
The Dole Air Race begins from Oakland, California, to Honolulu, Hawaii, during which six out of the eight participating planes crash or disappear.
Eight pilots begin a dangerous air race from Oakland to Honolulu, but only two complete the journey as six planes crash or vanish.
Read the story
🔬 Science August 16, 1960
Joseph Kittinger parachutes from a balloon over New Mexico, United States, at 102,800 feet (31,300 m), setting three records that held until 2012: High-altitude jump, free fall, and highest speed by a human without an aircraft.
Joseph Kittinger sets three high-altitude records during a jump from a balloon over New Mexico.
Read the storyToday is also
Holidays & observances
7 celebrated today
Bennington Battle Day (Vermont, United States)
International
Bennington Battle Day is a state holiday unique to Vermont, commemorating the victory of American and Vermont forces over British forces at the Battle of Bennington during the American Revolutionary W
Children's Day (Paraguay)
International
Children's Day is a commemorative date celebrated annually in honour of children, whose date of observance varies by country
Gozan no Okuribi (Kyoto, Japan)
International
Gozan no Okuribi , more commonly known as Daimonji , is a festival in Kyoto, Japan
National Airborne Day (United States)
International
National Airborne Day is a day designated by the United States Congress to honor the nation's airborne forces of the Armed Forces
Restoration Day (Dominican Republic)
International
This is a list of holidays in Dominican Republic
The first day of the Independence Days, celebrates the independence of Gabon from France in 1960.
International