1741
Handel Composes Messiah
George Frideric Handel, his Italian-opera career collapsing in London, shut himself up for twenty-four days and composed his greatest oratorio.
Bering Sights Alaska
On his second Pacific voyage, Vitus Bering and the naturalist Georg Steller sighted Mount Saint Elias through the mist off the Alaskan coast.
Dahomey Sacks Whydah
King Agaja of Dahomey completed his conquest of the coastal kingdom of Whydah, making his land-locked monarchy a direct player in the Atlantic slave trade.
Elizabeth of Russia Seizes the Throne
Peter the Great's daughter, after years of neglected princesshood, marched into the Preobrazhensky Guards' barracks at midnight and led them to the Winter…
Battle of Mollwitz
In his first battle, Frederick II almost lost Silesia and his life when his cavalry fled.
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Frequently asked
What happened in the year 1741?
Saeculum lists 5 events from 1741. The most significant is Handel Composes Messiah: George Frideric Handel, his Italian-opera career collapsing in London, shut himself up for twenty-four days and composed his greatest oratorio.
What era was 1741 part of?
1741 falls within the Enlightenment (1651-1800). Reason, revolution, and the first global wars.
Which regions saw notable events in 1741?
The events from 1741 span Europe, North America and Africa.