455
Ancient
Vandals Sack Rome
The Vandals under King Genseric sacked Rome for two weeks, carrying off immense plunder including treasures from the Temple of Jerusalem. The event gave rise to the term 'vandalism.'
On This Day in History
1774
Politics
Quartering Act Renewed
The British Parliament renewed the Quartering Act, requiring colonists to house and feed British soldiers. The act further inflamed colonial resentment against British authority.
1835
Culture
P.T. Barnum Begins First Circus Tour
Showman P.T. Barnum began his first circus tour with his traveling show. He would later cofound the famous Barnum & Bailey circus.
1851
Politics
Maine Passes First Prohibition Law
Maine became the first state to pass a statewide prohibition law banning the sale of alcohol. The 'Maine Law' inspired similar legislation in other states.
1896
Invention
Guglielmo Marconi Patents the Radio
Italian inventor Guglielmo Marconi received a British patent for his radio telegraph system. His work laid the foundation for wireless communication.
1953
Politics
Elizabeth II Crowned Queen
Elizabeth II was crowned Queen at Westminster Abbey in a ceremony watched by 27 million television viewers. It was the first coronation to be broadcast on television.
1966
Space
Surveyor 1 Lands on the Moon
NASA's Surveyor 1 made the first American soft landing on the Moon. The spacecraft transmitted over 11,000 photographs of the lunar surface.