532
Ancient
Nika Riots Erupt in Constantinople
Chariot racing factions in Constantinople united against Emperor Justinian I, sparking the devastating Nika Riots. The uprising nearly overthrew the emperor and resulted in an estimated 30,000 deaths.
On This Day in History
1610
Science
Galileo Discovers Callisto
Galileo Galilei discovered the fourth of Jupiter's large moons, Callisto. These discoveries fundamentally challenged the Earth-centered model of the universe.
1842
War & Conflict
British Retreat from Kabul Ends in Massacre
The last survivors of the British retreat from Kabul during the First Anglo-Afghan War were killed or captured. Of the original 16,500, only one European reached safety.
1898
Civil Rights
Emile Zola Publishes 'J'Accuse'
French novelist Emile Zola published his famous open letter 'J'Accuse' defending Alfred Dreyfus. The letter accused the French military of anti-Semitism and became a landmark in the fight against injustice.
1910
Invention
First Live Radio Broadcast
Lee de Forest broadcast live performances by Enrico Caruso from the Metropolitan Opera in New York City. Though received by few listeners, it demonstrated radio's potential as a mass medium.
1964
Culture
Capitol Records Releases Beatles' 'I Want to Hold Your Hand' in U.S.
The Beatles' single was released in the United States by Capitol Records. It shot to number one and launched the British Invasion of American popular music.
1982
Disaster
Air Florida Flight 90 Crashes into Potomac River
Air Florida Flight 90 crashed into the 14th Street Bridge and fell into the icy Potomac River in Washington, D.C. Of the 79 people on board, only five survived.