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
June 15 Monday, June 15, 2026
A curious almanac of what happened on June 15 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
1410
War 616 years ago
In a decisive battle at Onon River, the Mongol forces of Oljei Temur were decimated by the Chinese armies of the Yongle Emperor.
Oljei Temur's Mongol forces suffered a devastating defeat against the Chinese armies of the Yongle Emperor at the Onon River.
History
What happened on June 15
12 verified entries Full timeline
- -763World history
Assyrians record a solar eclipse that is later used to fix the chronology of Mesopotamian history.
Assyrian astronomers document a solar eclipse, providing crucial data for establishing the chronological framework of Mesopotamian history.
- 844Royalty
Louis II is crowned as king of Italy at Rome by pope Sergius II.
Louis II is crowned king of Italy in Rome by Pope Sergius II.
- 923European history
Battle of Soissons: King Robert I of France is killed and King Charles the Simple is arrested by the supporters of Duke Rudolph of Burgundy.
King Robert I of France is killed in battle at Soissons, and rival King Charles the Simple is captured by supporters of Duke Rudolph of Burgundy.
- 1184European history
The naval Battle of Fimreite is won by the Birkebeiner pretender Sverre Sigurdsson. Sigurdsson takes the Norwegian throne and King Magnus V of Norway is killed.
Sverre Sigurdsson wins the naval Battle of Fimreite, taking the Norwegian throne and killing King Magnus V.
- 1215UK history
King John of England puts his seal to Magna Carta.
King John of England affixes his seal to Magna Carta at Runnymede, establishing foundational principles limiting royal authority and protecting baronial rights.
- 1219European history
Northern Crusades: Danish victory at the Battle of Lindanise (modern-day Tallinn) establishes the Danish Duchy of Estonia.
Danish forces win the Battle of Lindanise, establishing the Duchy of Estonia.
- 1310European history
The Tiepolo conspiracy, seeking to seize power in the Republic of Venice, is thwarted after bloody street clashes in Venice. The suppression of the revolt will lead to the creation of the Council of Ten.
The Tiepolo conspiracy is crushed in Venice, leading to the establishment of the Council of Ten.
- 1312European history
At the Battle of Rozgony, King Charles I of Hungary wins a decisive victory over the family of Palatine Amade Aba.
King Charles I of Hungary defeats the family of Palatine Amade Aba in the Battle of Rozgony.
- 1410War
In a decisive battle at Onon River, the Mongol forces of Oljei Temur were decimated by the Chinese armies of the Yongle Emperor.
Oljei Temur's Mongol forces suffered a devastating defeat against the Chinese armies of the Yongle Emperor at the Onon River.
- 1410European history
Ottoman Interregnum: Süleyman Çelebi defeats his brother Musa Çelebi outside the Byzantine capital, Constantinople.
Süleyman Çelebi defeats his brother Musa Çelebi in battle outside Constantinople, securing control of the Ottoman Empire.
- 1520Religion
Pope Leo X threatens to excommunicate Martin Luther in Exsurge Domine.
Pope Leo X issues Exsurge Domine, threatening excommunication to those who reject his doctrines.
- 1607US history
Virginia Colonists finished building James's Fort, to defend against Spanish and Indian attacks.
Virginia colonists completed James's Fort, designed to protect against Spanish and Indian threats.
Born today
Famous birthdays on June 15
7 this date All birthdays
Georg Joseph Vogler
German organist, composer, and theorist
Georg Joseph Vogler, the German organist, composer, and theorist known as Abbé Vogler, was born in 1749 and established himself as a foremost experimenter in baroque and early classical music.
Born
1749
Died
1814
Josiah Henson
American minister, author, and activist
1789 – 1883
Bernie Faloney
American-Canadian football player and sportscaster
1932 – 1999
Billy Williams
American baseball player and coach
b. 1938 · 88
Ward Connerly
American activist and businessman, founded the American Civil Rights Institute
b. 1939 · 87
Jane Amsterdam
American magazine and newspaper editor (Manhattan, inc., New York Post)
b. 1951 · 75
Madison Kocian
American gymnast
b. 1997 · 29
Music
The number one songs on June 15
Across the years Full chart history
🇬🇧 #1 on June 15, 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 June 15, 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 June 15, 1988
The Ariane 4 rocket is launched on its maiden flight.
The Ariane 4 rocket completes its first successful launch from the European Space Agency's facility in French Guiana.
Read the storyToday is also
Holidays & observances
6 celebrated today
Arbor Day (Costa Rica)
International
Arbor Day is a secular day of observance in which individuals and groups are encouraged to plant trees
Day of Valdemar and Reunion Day (Flag Day) (Denmark)
International
Public holidays in Denmark are the holidays recognised in law in Denmark
Engineer's Day (Italy)
International
Engineer's Day is observed in several countries on various dates of the year
Global Wind Day (international)
International
Global Wind Day or World Wind Day is a worldwide event that is held on June 15
National Beer Day (United Kingdom)
International
Beer Day Britain is an annual event celebrating beer in the United Kingdom
National Salvation Day (Azerbaijan)
International
National Salvation Day of Azerbaijanis is an official holiday in Azerbaijan that is celebrated on June 15, in accordance with the June 27, 1997, dated decree of the National Assembly of Azerbaijan