404
Ancient
Visigoths Enter Rome Under Alaric
The Visigoths under King Alaric I prepared for their final siege of Rome. Their sack of the city would mark a symbolic end to the power of the Western Roman Empire.
On This Day in History
1507
Exploration
Martin Waldseemuller Names America
German cartographer Martin Waldseemuller published a map naming the New World 'America' after explorer Amerigo Vespucci. The name stuck despite later evidence that Columbus arrived first.
1859
Invention
Construction Begins on Suez Canal
Construction began on the Suez Canal in Egypt, connecting the Mediterranean and Red Seas. When completed in 1869, it dramatically shortened shipping routes between Europe and Asia.
1915
War & Conflict
ANZAC Forces Land at Gallipoli
Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) forces landed at Gallipoli in Turkey during World War I. The devastating campaign became a defining moment for both nations.
1945
War & Conflict
American and Soviet Troops Meet at the Elbe
U.S. and Soviet forces met at the Elbe River near Torgau, Germany, effectively cutting the Third Reich in two. The meeting symbolized the Allied alliance against Nazi Germany.
1953
Science
Watson and Crick Publish DNA Structure Paper
James Watson and Francis Crick published their landmark paper describing the double helix structure of DNA in the journal Nature. The discovery was the foundation of modern genetics.
1974
Politics
Carnation Revolution in Portugal
A military coup in Lisbon overthrew Portugal's authoritarian Estado Novo regime. The nearly bloodless revolution got its name from carnations placed in soldiers' gun barrels.