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
July 12 Sunday, July 12, 2026
A curious almanac of what happened on July 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
2
Holidays
1790
World history 236 years ago
The Civil Constitution of the Clergy is passed in France by the National Constituent Assembly.
The National Constituent Assembly passes the Civil Constitution of the Clergy, subordinating the French Catholic Church to state control and requiring clergy to swear loyalty to the nation.
History
What happened on July 12
12 verified entries Full timeline
- 70War
The armies of Titus attack the walls of Jerusalem after a six-month siege. Three days later they breach the walls, which enables the army to destroy the Second Temple.
The Roman army breaches Jerusalem's walls, leading to the destruction of the Second Temple.
- 927UK history
King Constantine II of Scotland, King Hywel Dda of Deheubarth, Ealdred of Bamburgh and King Owain of the Cumbrians accepted the overlordship of King Æthelstan of England, leading to seven years of peace in the north.
King Æthelstan secures the submission of Constantine II of Scotland, Hywel Dda of Deheubarth, Ealdred of Bamburgh, and Owain of the Cumbrians, bringing seven years of peace to northern Britain.
- 1191War
Third Crusade: Saladin's garrison surrenders to Philip Augustus, ending the two-year siege of Acre.
Philip Augustus accepts the surrender of Saladin’s garrison, ending the two-year siege of Acre.
- 1335Religion
Pope Benedict XII issues the papal bull Fulgens sicut stella matutina to reform the Cistercian Order.
Pope Benedict XII issues the papal bull Fulgens sicut stella matutina to reform practices within the Cistercian Order.
- 1470European history
The Ottomans capture Euboea.
The Ottomans capture Euboea, marking a significant expansion of their control in the Aegean Sea.
- 1488World history
Joseon Dynasty official Choe Bu returned to Korea after months of shipwrecked travel in China.
Choe Bu returns to Korea after months of shipwrecked travels in China.
- 1543Royalty
King Henry VIII of England marries his sixth and last wife, Catherine Parr, at Hampton Court Palace.
Henry VIII weds Catherine Parr at Hampton Court Palace, marking his sixth and final marriage.
- 1562Religion
Fray Diego de Landa, acting Bishop of Yucatán, burns the sacred idols and books of the Maya.
Fray Diego de Landa destroys Mayan religious icons and texts, causing significant loss to indigenous cultural heritage.
- 1691War
Battle of Aughrim (Julian calendar): The decisive victory of William III of England's forces in Ireland.
William III's forces achieve a decisive victory over James II's troops in the Battle of Aughrim, marking a turning point in the Williamite War in Ireland.
- 1776World history
Captain James Cook begins his third voyage.
Captain James Cook sets sail from England on a mission to explore the North Pole and chart the coasts of Hawaii.
- 1790World history
The Civil Constitution of the Clergy is passed in France by the National Constituent Assembly.
The National Constituent Assembly passes the Civil Constitution of the Clergy, subordinating the French Catholic Church to state control and requiring clergy to swear loyalty to the nation.
- 1801UK history
British ships inflict heavy damage on Spanish and French ships in the Second Battle of Algeciras.
British ships inflict heavy damage on a combined Spanish and French fleet off the coast of Algeciras in the battle's second engagement.
Born today
Famous birthdays on July 12
7 this date All birthdays
Imero Fiorentino
American lighting designer
Imero Fiorentino, an American lighting designer considered one of the most respected pioneers in the entertainment industry, was born today in 1928.
Born
1928
Died
2013
William Osler
Canadian physician and author
1849 – 1919
Amedeo Modigliani
Italian painter and sculptor
1884 – 1920
Luigi Gorrini
Italian soldier and pilot
1917 – 2014
Julio César Chávez
Mexican boxer
b. 1962 · 64
LeSean McCoy
American football player
b. 1988 · 38
Kaylee McKeown
Australian swimmer
b. 2001 · 25
Music
The number one songs on July 12
Across the years Full chart history
🇬🇧 #1 on July 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 July 12, 1998
France win their first World Cup title, defeating defending champions Brazil 3-0.
France wins its first World Cup title by defeating defending champion Brazil 3-0.
Read the story
🔬 Science July 12, 1995
Java 1.0 is unveiled
Sun Microsystems releases a programming language that will become the backbone of enterprise computing and Android.
Read the storyToday is also
Holidays & observances
2 celebrated today
The second day of Naadam (Mongolia)
International
Naadam is a traditional festival celebrated in Mongolia, Inner Mongolia and Tuva, involving Mongolian wrestling, horse racing and archery
The Twelfth, also known as Orangemen's Day (Northern Ireland, Scotland, Newfoundland and Labrador)
International
The Twelfth is an Ulster Protestant celebration held on 12 July