202
Ancient
Septimius Severus Celebrates Triumph
Roman Emperor Septimius Severus celebrated a triumph in Rome after defeating his rivals in civil war. His dynasty would rule the empire for several decades.
On This Day in History
1525
Exploration
Cuauhtemoc, Last Aztec Emperor, Executed
Spanish conquistador Hernan Cortes ordered the execution of Cuauhtemoc, the last Aztec emperor. Cuauhtemoc had led the defense of Tenochtitlan against the Spanish in 1521.
1827
Invention
Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Chartered
The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad was chartered as the first railroad in the United States to offer commercial transportation. It helped pioneer the railroad industry in America.
1849
Exploration
First Shipload of Gold Seekers Arrives in San Francisco
The first ship carrying gold prospectors from the East Coast arrived in San Francisco during the California Gold Rush. The city's population would explode from about 1,000 to 25,000 in a single year.
1953
Science
Watson and Crick Discover DNA Structure
James Watson and Francis Crick discovered the double helix structure of DNA at Cambridge University. Their discovery revealed the mechanism of genetic inheritance and launched modern molecular biology.
1986
Crime
Swedish Prime Minister Olof Palme Assassinated
Swedish Prime Minister Olof Palme was shot and killed while walking home from a cinema in Stockholm. His murder remains one of the most debated unsolved cases in European history.
2013
Religion
Pope Benedict XVI Resigns
Pope Benedict XVI formally resigned as head of the Catholic Church, becoming the first pope to do so since Gregory XII in 1415. Pope Francis was elected as his successor the following month.