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
January 10 Saturday, January 10, 2026
A curious almanac of what happened on January 10 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
3
Holidays
1791
US history 235 years ago
The Siege of Dunlap's Station begins near Cincinnati during the Northwest Indian War.
American settlers at Dunlap's Station near Cincinnati withstand a siege by Native American forces during the Northwest Indian War.
History
What happened on January 10
12 verified entries Full timeline
- -49War
Julius Caesar crosses the Rubicon, signalling the start of civil war.
Julius Caesar leads his army across the Rubicon River, marking the beginning of civil war in Rome.
- 9World history
The Western Han dynasty ends when Wang Mang claims that the divine Mandate of Heaven called for the end of the dynasty and the beginning of his own, the Xin dynasty.
Wang Mang establishes the Xin dynasty by claiming the Mandate of Heaven, ending the Western Han dynasty.
- 69World history
Lucius Calpurnius Piso Licinianus is appointed by Galba as deputy Roman Emperor.
Lucius Calpurnius Piso Licinianus is appointed deputy to the Roman Emperor Galba.
- 236Religion
Pope Fabian succeeds Anterus to become the twentieth pope of Rome.
Pope Fabian becomes the twentieth pope of Rome, succeeding Anterus.
- 1072European history
Robert Guiscard conquers Palermo in Sicily for the Normans.
Robert Guiscard captures Palermo, solidifying Norman control over Sicily.
- 1430European history
Philip the Good, the Duke of Burgundy, establishes the Order of the Golden Fleece, the most prestigious, exclusive, and expensive order of chivalry in the world.
Philip the Good founds the Order of the Golden Fleece, a renowned and elite chivalric order.
- 1475War
Stephen III of Moldavia defeats the Ottoman Empire at the Battle of Vaslui.
Stephen III of Moldavia leads his forces to a crushing victory against a much larger Ottoman army at Vaslui, halting Ottoman expansion into Eastern Europe.
- 1645UK history
Archbishop William Laud is beheaded for treason at the Tower of London.
Archbishop William Laud is executed for treason at the Tower of London.
- 1776US history
American Revolution: Thomas Paine publishes his pamphlet Common Sense.
Thomas Paine publishes "Common Sense," advocating for American independence from Britain.
- 1791US history
The Siege of Dunlap's Station begins near Cincinnati during the Northwest Indian War.
American settlers at Dunlap's Station near Cincinnati withstand a siege by Native American forces during the Northwest Indian War.
- 1876US history
The Plan of Tuxtepec is announced.
The Plan of Tuxtepec is proclaimed in Mexico, calling for the overthrow of President Sebastián Lerdo de Tejada and launching Porfirio Díaz's successful rebellion.
- 1901Technology
The first great Texas oil gusher is discovered at Spindletop in Beaumont, Texas.
A massive oil reserve is tapped at Spindletop near Beaumont, marking the beginning of the Texas petroleum boom.
Born today
Famous birthdays on January 10
7 this date All birthdays
🎂 70
Shawn Colvin
American singer-songwriter and guitarist
Shawn Colvin, the American singer-songwriter whose 1997 hit "Sunny Came Home" won Grammy Awards for Record and Song of the Year, turns 69 today.
Born
1956
Turns 70
today
K. J. Yesudas
Indian singer and music director
b. 1940 · 86
Rod Stewart
British singer-songwriter
b. 1945 · 81
Mohammed Benzakour
Moroccan-Dutch journalist, poet, and author
b. 1972 · 54
Jake Delhomme
American football player
b. 1975 · 51
Sarah Shahi
American actress
b. 1980 · 46
John Carlson
American ice hockey player
b. 1990 · 36
Music
The number one songs on January 10
Across the years Full chart history
🇬🇧 #1 on January 10, 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 January 10, 1982
Aston Villa shock Bayern Munich for the European Cup
In Rotterdam, late substitute Peter Withe scores the winner as Villa lift the trophy on their first attempt.
Read the story
🔬 Science January 10, 1946
The United States Army Signal Corps successfully conducts Project Diana, bouncing radio waves off the Moon and receiving the reflected signals.
The United States Army Signal Corps bounces radio waves off the Moon and receives the reflected signals, marking a significant achievement in space communication.
Read the storyToday is also
Holidays & observances
3 celebrated today
Fête du Vodoun (Benin)
International
Vodoun Day or Fête du Vodoun is a public holiday in Benin that celebrates the nation's history surrounding the West African religion of Vodoun
Margaret Thatcher Day (Falkland Islands)
International
The cultural impact of the Falklands War spanned several media in both Britain and Argentina
Majority Rule Day (Bahamas)
International
The holidays in The Bahamas include the following:
❝
I have yet to have a successful outcome of sitting in a room with someone and trying to write a song. The chemistry has to happen before that.
— Shawn Colvin · born January 10, 1956