1278 On April - 17 birth of michael IX Palaeologus, co-ruling Eastern Roman Emperor (d. 1320)
1539 On April - 17 birth of tobias Stimmer, Swiss painter/cartoonist (Comedia)
1573 On April - 17 birth of maximilian I, duke/ruler of Bayern (Catholic League)
1573 Maximilian I, Elector of Bavaria (d. 1651) was born on April - 17.
1586 On this day in history birth of john Ford, English dramatist ('Tis Pity She's a Whore)
1587 Marco Ivan Lukacic, composer was born on this day in history.
1598 On April - 17 birth of giovanni Riccioli, Italian astronomer (d. 1671)
1620 On this day in history birth of marguerite Bourgeoys, founder of the Congregation of Notre Dame (d. 1700)
0326 Death of Alexander of Alexandria, Patriarch of Alexandria on this day in history.
0485 On this day in history proclus, Greek mathematician, dies in Athens [or Apr 14]
0617 Death of DonnĂ¡n of Eigg, Celtic Christian martyr, patron saint of Eigg on April - 17.
0818 On this day in history bernhard I, King of Italy, dies
0858 On April - 17 benedict III, Italian Pope (855-58), dies
1080 Death of King Harald III of Denmark (b. 1041) on April - 17.
1272 On April - 17 zita/Cita, Italian maid/saint, dies at about 59
1297 On this day in history willem van Afflighem, Flemish poet/abbot St Truiden, dies at about 86