September 12th in history

Obviously the most significant event to occur on September 12th was the birth of my friend, Stephanie Churchill Ling. But there were a few happenings of lesser importance.
On September 12, 490 BC, the Greeks defeated the Persians at the Battle of Marathon. Our modern marathons were inspired by a legend that a Greek messenger ran the 25 miles from Marathon to Athens to gasp out the news of their victory and then dropped dead. Sadly, this may be just that, a legend—well, not so sad for the messenger, of course.
On September 13, 1213, Simon de Montfort (not “my” Simon, his notorious father) defeated the King of Aragon, Peter II, at the battle of Murat. Peter died on the field and with him died any chance of ending the Albigensian Crusade, so I see this as a very sad day. Peter was the son of a minor character in both Lionheart and A King’s Ransom, Richard’s friend, Alfonso VI, King of Aragon.
On September 13, 1369, Blanche, the Duchess of Lancaster, died at the age of 23. Blanche was the wife of John of Gaunt and the mother of the first Lancastrian king, Henry IV. John was devastated by her death, but in time he would find consolation in the arms of Katherine Swynford. I’d given serious consideration to writing of John of Gaunt at one time, but I eventually concluded that his life could not easily be condensed into a fictional format. In Anya Seton’s wonderful novel, Katherine, he does not have the starring role and that makes all the difference. I do plan to give him some time on stage when I write about Owain Glyn Dwr, though. For the few who have not read Katherine, I recommend you remedy that ASAP.
And for the romantics in the group, I give you this. On September 12, 1846, Elizabeth Barrett eloped with Robert Browning, a very brave act for a young woman in those days. If they did not live happily ever after, I do not want to know about it.
Happy Birthday, Stephanie.