Emperor Tenji's Rokoku Water Clock: Timekeeping Revolution (+ 9 more historical events on this day!)

A Daily Dose of History (10 Jun 2026) Today's historical events: Emperor Tenji of Japan introduces a water clock (clepsydra) called Rokoku. The instrument, which measures time and indicates hours, is placed in the capital of Ōtsu. Third Crusade: Frederick I Barbarossa drowns in the river Saleph while leading an army to Jerusalem. The Battle of Pelekanon results in a Byzantine defeat by the Ottoman Empire. Copenhagen is surrounded by the army of Frederick I of Denmark, as the city will not recognise him as the successor of Christian II of Denmark. Willem Barents and Jacob van Heemskerk discover Bear Island. Thirty Years' War: Battle of Záblatí, a turning point in the Bohemian Revolt. Signing of the Treaty of Compiègne between France and the Netherlands. Salem witch trials: Bridget Bishop is hanged at Gallows Hill near Salem, Massachusetts, for "certaine Detestable Arts called Witchcraft and Sorceries". Jacobite risings: Battle of Glen Shiel. King Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke (Rama I) of Siam (modern day Thailand) is crowned. Information from this episode are sourced from API Ninjas Explanations from OpenAI ChatGPT API with proprietary prompts. This podcast is produced by Klassic Studios Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices