402
Ancient
Stilicho Defeats Visigoths at Battle of Pollentia
Roman general Stilicho defeated the Visigoths under Alaric at the Battle of Pollentia. The victory temporarily halted the Visigothic advance into Italy.
On This Day in History
1652
Exploration
Dutch Settlers Arrive at Cape of Good Hope
Jan van Riebeeck and Dutch settlers arrived at the Cape of Good Hope to establish a supply station for the Dutch East India Company. This marked the beginning of European colonization of South Africa.
1896
Sports
First Modern Olympic Games Open in Athens
The first modern Olympic Games opened in Athens, Greece, with 241 athletes from 14 nations. The revival of the ancient tradition was inspired by Pierre de Coubertin.
1909
Exploration
Robert Peary Claims to Reach North Pole
American explorer Robert Peary claimed to have reached the North Pole, though his claim has been disputed by historians. The expedition was one of the great adventures of the era.
1917
War & Conflict
United States Enters World War I
Congress declared war on Germany, bringing the United States into World War I. President Wilson had campaigned on keeping America out of the war.
1947
Culture
First Tony Awards Presented
The first Tony Awards ceremony honored excellence in Broadway theater at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York. The awards are named for actress Antoinette Perry.
1994
War & Conflict
Rwandan Genocide Begins
The shooting down of President Habyarimana's plane triggered the Rwandan genocide. Over approximately 100 days, Hutu extremists killed an estimated 800,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus.