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
September 4 Friday, September 4, 2026
A curious almanac of what happened on September 4 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
1479
European history 547 years ago
The Treaty of Alcáçovas is signed by the Catholic Monarchs of Castile and Aragon on one side and Afonso V and his son, Prince John of Portugal.
The Treaty of Alcáçovas resolves conflicts between Castile and Portugal over succession and control of Atlantic territories, establishing Portuguese dominance in Africa.
History
What happened on September 4
12 verified entries Full timeline
- 476European history
Romulus Augustulus is deposed when Odoacer proclaims himself "King of Italy", thus ending the Western Roman Empire.
Odoacer deposes Romulus Augustulus, declaring himself King of Italy and marking the end of the Western Roman Empire.
- 626World history
Li Shimin, posthumously known as Emperor Taizong of Tang, assumes the throne over the Tang dynasty of China.
Li Shimin becomes Emperor Taizong of Tang, founding one of China's most prosperous dynasties.
- 929European history
Battle of Lenzen: Slavic forces (the Redarii and the Obotrites) are defeated by a Saxon army near the fortified stronghold of Lenzen in Brandenburg.
Slavic forces led by the Redarii and Obotrites are defeated by a Saxon army near the fortress of Lenzen.
- 1260European history
The Sienese Ghibellines, supported by the forces of Manfred, King of Sicily, defeat the Florentine Guelphs at Montaperti.
The Sienese Ghibellines, backed by Manfred's forces, defeat the Florentine Guelphs in a battle at Montaperti.
- 1282Royalty
Peter III of Aragon becomes the King of Sicily.
Peter III of Aragon is crowned king of Sicily, marking the beginning of the War of the Sicilian Vespers.
- 1479European history
The Treaty of Alcáçovas is signed by the Catholic Monarchs of Castile and Aragon on one side and Afonso V and his son, Prince John of Portugal.
The Treaty of Alcáçovas resolves conflicts between Castile and Portugal over succession and control of Atlantic territories, establishing Portuguese dominance in Africa.
- 1607World history
The Flight of the Earls takes place in Ireland (14 September N.S.).
Hugh O'Neill and Rory O'Donnell leave Ireland for exile in Europe, marking the end of Gaelic rule.
- 1666UK history
In London, England, the most destructive damage from the Great Fire occurs.
The Great Fire of London reaches its peak intensity, consuming the medieval city's heart including St. Paul's Cathedral and thousands of homes.
- 1774UK history
New Caledonia is first sighted by Europeans, during the second voyage of Captain James Cook.
Captain James Cook sights New Caledonia during his second voyage.
- 1797European history
Coup of 18 Fructidor in France.
Napoleon Bonaparte supports a coup that purges royalist sympathizers from the French Directory, strengthening the republican government and his own political influence.
- 1886US history
American Indian Wars: After almost 30 years of fighting, Apache leader Geronimo, with his remaining warriors, surrenders to General Nelson Miles in Arizona.
Geronimo surrenders to General Nelson Miles in Arizona, ending nearly three decades of conflict.
- 1936War
Spanish Civil War: Largo Caballero forms a war cabinet to direct the republican war effort.
Largo Caballero forms a war cabinet to lead the republican fight against Franco's forces.
Born today
Famous birthdays on September 4
7 this date All birthdays
🎂 75
Judith Ivey
American actress
Judith Ivey, two-time Tony Award winner for Best Featured Actress in a Play (Steaming, Hurlyburly) and actress in films like Brighton Beach Memoirs, turns 74 today.
Born
1951
Turns 75
today
Edward Dmytryk
Canadian-American director and producer
1908 – 1999
Jan Švankmajer
Czech filmmaker and artist
b. 1934 · 92
Drew Pinsky
American radio and television host
b. 1958 · 68
Damon Wayans
American actor, director, producer, and screenwriter
b. 1960 · 66
John Vanbiesbrouck
American ice hockey player, coach, and manager
b. 1963 · 63
John DiMaggio
American voice actor
b. 1968 · 58
Music
The number one songs on September 4
Across the years Full chart history
🇬🇧 #1 on September 4, 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 September 4, 1950
Darlington Raceway is the site of the inaugural Southern 500, the first 500-mile NASCAR race.
The Southern 500, NASCAR's first 500-mile race, takes place at Darlington Raceway.
Read the story
🔬 Science September 4, 1985
The discovery of Buckminsterfullerene, the first fullerene molecule of carbon.
Scientists discover buckminsterfullerene, a spherical carbon molecule named after architect Buckminster Fuller.
Read the storyToday is also
Holidays & observances
2 celebrated today
Immigrant's Day (Argentina)
International
The history of immigration to Argentina can be divided into several major stages:Spanish colonization between the 16th and 18th century, mostly male, largely assimilated with the natives through a pro
Toothfish Day (South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands)
International
Toothfish Day is a public holiday celebrated in the British Overseas Territory of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands