This list includes 11 Historical events that start with X, from “Xenophon’s March of the Ten Thousand” to “Xá Lợi Pagoda Raids”. These events span military, political, and cultural moments, useful for research, teaching, and quick reference.
Historical events that start with X are notable incidents whose common English names begin with the letter X. Many are rare or regionally named, for example “Xenophon’s March of the Ten Thousand” remains a classic military account.
Below you’ll find the table with Year, Location, and Significance.
Year: The specific year or range when the event occurred, helping you place it in historical chronology.
Location: Where the event took place, usually city, region, or country, to clarify geographical context for you.
Significance: A concise 15–25 word summary explaining why the event matters and its broader historical impact.
Historical events that start with X
| Event | Year | Location | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xenophon’s March of the Ten Thousand | 401–399 BC | Persian Empire (Anatolia) | Military expedition |
| Xuanwu Gate Incident | 626 | Chang’an, Tang China | Palace coup |
| Xochicalco, Fall of | c. 900 | Morelos, Mexico | City collapse / abandonment |
| Xhosa Wars | 1779–1879 | Eastern Cape, South Africa | Military conflicts / Frontier wars |
| Xico, Plan of | 1832 | Veracruz, Mexico | Political declaration / Pronunciamiento |
| Xingzhonghui Founding | 1894 | Honolulu, Hawaii, USA | Political society founding |
| Xinhai Revolution | 1911–1912 | China | Revolution |
| Xuchang Uprising | 1911 | Xuchang, Henan, China | Uprising / Rebellion |
| Xian Incident | 1936 | Xi’an, China | Kidnapping / Political crisis |
| Xá Lợi Pagoda Raids | 1963 | South Vietnam | Government raids / Religious persecution |
| Xingu Peoples’ Declaration | 1989 | Altamira, Brazil | Indigenous rights protest / Declaration |
Descriptions
Xenophon’s March of the Ten Thousand
The famed journey of 10,000 Greek mercenaries returning home after their employer, Cyrus the Younger, was killed in battle. Their epic retreat through hostile territory was famously chronicled by their leader, Xenophon, in his work “Anabasis.”
Xuanwu Gate Incident
A pivotal palace coup where Prince Li Shimin ambushed and killed his two rival brothers. This act secured his path to the throne, where he became the celebrated Emperor Taizong, one of China’s most revered rulers.
Xochicalco, Fall of
The violent sacking and burning of the fortified Mesoamerican city of Xochicalco. This event was part of a broader political collapse in Central Mexico following the decline of Teotihuacan, reshaping the region’s power dynamics before the rise of the Toltecs.
Xhosa Wars
A century-long series of nine frontier wars between the Xhosa Kingdom and European settlers. These conflicts resulted in the annexation of Xhosa territory and their subjugation under colonial rule, profoundly shaping the history of South Africa.
Xico, Plan of
A political plan issued by General Santa Anna demanding electoral and political reforms. This declaration was part of the widespread discontent that ultimately led to the overthrow of President Anastasio Bustamante’s conservative government in Mexico.
Xingzhonghui Founding
The establishment of the “Revive China Society” by Sun Yat-sen. This secret society was one of the first revolutionary groups dedicated to overthrowing the Qing Dynasty, marking a key step toward the future Chinese republic.
Xinhai Revolution
The revolution that overthrew China’s last imperial dynasty, the Qing Dynasty, and established the Republic of China. It marked the end of over 2,000 years of imperial rule and ushered in a new, albeit turbulent, era for the country.
Xuchang Uprising
A significant rebellion in Henan province during the Xinhai Revolution. Although the uprising was eventually suppressed by Qing forces, it showcased the widespread but often disconnected nature of the anti-dynastic movement across China.
Xian Incident
The dramatic kidnapping of Chinese leader Chiang Kai-shek by two of his own generals. They forced him to suspend the civil war with the Communists and form a united front to fight the invading Japanese, altering the course of the Second Sino-Japanese War.
Xá Lợi Pagoda Raids
Coordinated attacks by South Vietnamese special forces against Buddhist pagodas, most notably the Xá Lợi Pagoda in Saigon. The brutal raids against protesting monks shocked the world and led to a U.S.-backed coup against President Ngô Đình Diệm.
Xingu Peoples’ Declaration
A major gathering of Amazonian indigenous peoples to protest the construction of the Belo Monte Dam on the Xingu River. The event drew international attention to the threats facing the Amazon rainforest and its native inhabitants.