632
Religion
Prophet Muhammad Dies
Prophet Muhammad died in Medina at approximately age 62. His death led to a succession crisis that would shape the division between Sunni and Shia Islam.
On This Day in History
793
War & Conflict
Viking Raid on Lindisfarne
Vikings from Scandinavia raided the monastery of Lindisfarne off the northeast coast of England. The attack is traditionally considered the beginning of the Viking Age.
1783
Disaster
Laki Volcanic Eruption Begins in Iceland
The Laki volcanic system in Iceland began an eight-month eruption. The resulting haze and climate effects caused crop failures and famine across Europe.
1861
War & Conflict
Tennessee Secedes from the Union
Tennessee became the last state to secede from the United States and join the Confederacy. The state was deeply divided, with East Tennessee remaining strongly pro-Union.
1949
Culture
George Orwell's 1984 Published
George Orwell's dystopian novel '1984' was published. Its concepts of 'Big Brother,' 'thoughtcrime,' and 'doublespeak' became enduring warnings about totalitarianism.
1966
Sports
NFL and AFL Announce Merger
The National Football League and the American Football League announced they would merge into a single league. The merger created the modern NFL and led to the first Super Bowl.
2007
Invention
iPhone Goes on Sale
Apple's iPhone went on sale in the United States, with customers lining up at stores across the country. The device would revolutionize the smartphone industry.