1204
War & Conflict
Crusaders Sack Constantinople
Soldiers of the Fourth Crusade sacked Constantinople, the capital of the Christian Byzantine Empire. The three-day rampage destroyed priceless art and manuscripts.
On This Day in History
1598
Religion
Edict of Nantes Signed
King Henry IV of France signed the Edict of Nantes, granting substantial religious freedom to French Protestants (Huguenots). It was one of the earliest decrees of religious tolerance.
1743
Politics
Thomas Jefferson Is Born
Thomas Jefferson was born at Shadwell plantation in Virginia. He would draft the Declaration of Independence, serve as the third President, and purchase the Louisiana Territory.
1870
Culture
Metropolitan Museum of Art Founded
The Metropolitan Museum of Art was incorporated in New York City. It would grow into one of the world's largest and most comprehensive art museums.
1943
War & Conflict
Katyn Massacre Discovered
Nazi Germany announced the discovery of mass graves of Polish officers in the Katyn Forest, murdered by the Soviet Union. The massacre of 22,000 Poles was a war crime covered up for decades.
1964
Civil Rights
Sidney Poitier Wins Best Actor Oscar
Sidney Poitier became the first African American to win the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in 'Lilies of the Field.' The historic win was a milestone in Hollywood.
1970
Space
Apollo 13 Oxygen Tank Explodes
An oxygen tank aboard Apollo 13 exploded en route to the Moon, crippling the spacecraft. The crew of Lovell, Swigert, and Haise safely returned to Earth in a legendary rescue mission.