763
Ancient
Assyrian Eclipse Recorded
An Assyrian scribe recorded a solar eclipse, one of the earliest precisely dated events in history. The record has helped historians calibrate ancient chronologies.
On This Day in History
1215
Politics
Magna Carta Sealed
King John of England sealed the Magna Carta at Runnymede, establishing the principle that everyone, including the king, was subject to the law. It became a foundational document of constitutional governance.
1520
Religion
Pope Leo X Threatens to Excommunicate Luther
Pope Leo X issued the papal bull Exsurge Domine, threatening Martin Luther with excommunication unless he recanted 41 of his 95 theses. Luther publicly burned the document.
1752
Science
Franklin's Lightning Rod Experiment
Benjamin Franklin is traditionally said to have conducted his famous kite experiment around this date, proving that lightning is electrical. The experiment led to the invention of the lightning rod.
1844
Invention
Charles Goodyear Patents Vulcanized Rubber
Charles Goodyear received a patent for vulcanized rubber, a process that made rubber durable and practical. The discovery revolutionized industry and transportation.
1940
War & Conflict
Fall of Verdun to German Forces
German forces captured the French fortress city of Verdun, which had been the site of one of the bloodiest battles of World War I. France was on the verge of capitulation.
2012
Civil Rights
Obama Announces DACA Program
President Obama announced the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, protecting certain undocumented immigrants who arrived as children from deportation.