451
Ancient
Attila the Hun Sacks Metz
Attila the Hun and his forces sacked the city of Metz in Gaul during their devastating invasion of Western Europe. The Huns would be defeated weeks later at the Battle of the Catalaunian Plains.
On This Day in History
1805
Culture
Beethoven Premieres Third Symphony
Ludwig van Beethoven premiered his Third Symphony, the 'Eroica,' in Vienna. Originally dedicated to Napoleon, Beethoven scratched out the dedication when Napoleon crowned himself Emperor.
1862
War & Conflict
Battle of Shiloh
Union and Confederate forces clashed at Shiloh, Tennessee, in one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War. Over 23,000 casualties shocked both sides into realizing the war would be long and brutal.
1906
Disaster
Mount Vesuvius Erupts
Mount Vesuvius erupted violently, devastating Naples and surrounding towns. Over 100 people were killed and thousands displaced, though the eruption was far less destructive than the 79 AD disaster.
1927
Invention
First Long-Distance Television Transmission
Bell Telephone Laboratories demonstrated long-distance television for the first time, transmitting images from Washington, D.C. to New York. Commerce Secretary Herbert Hoover's image was broadcast.
1948
Science
World Health Organization Established
The World Health Organization was formally established as a specialized agency of the United Nations. Its mission is to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve the vulnerable.
2003
War & Conflict
U.S. Forces Capture Baghdad
American forces entered central Baghdad as Saddam Hussein's regime collapsed. Iraqis and Marines toppled a large statue of Saddam in Firdos Square in a symbolic moment.