The French battleship La Lune sank off the coast of Toulon on August 22, 1664, while returning from an expedition to the Ottoman Empire. Over 1,000 crew members and soldiers perished, making it one of the era's deadliest naval disasters. The wreck was rediscovered in 1993, yielding valuable artifacts from the 17th century.
1664 – The French Battleship "La Lune" Sinks
During the Russo-Turkish War, the Red Cross symbol was officially used for the first time on August 22, 1877, during the Siege of Plevna. This marked the beginning of the Red Cross's role in protecting medical personnel and wounded soldiers under the principles of neutrality, profoundly influencing future humanitarian efforts in war.
1877 – First Use of the Red Cross Symbol in Battle
On August 22, 1786, the British Parliament approved the transportation of convicts to New South Wales, establishing Australia as a penal colony. This decision led to the departure of the First Fleet in 1787, carrying over 700 convicts. It marked a pivotal moment in Australia's history and British colonial expansion.
1786 – British Parliament Authorizes the Transportation of Convicts to New South Wales
Spanish explorers aboard the San Lorenzo made the first European contact with Easter Island on August 22, 1770. They were fascinated by the island's monumental Moai statues and its isolated society. This visit marked the beginning of European interest in the mysterious island, contributing to its cultural legacy in global exploration.
1770 – First European Contact with Easter Island
On August 22, 1984, Soviet cosmonaut Svetlana Savitskaya became the first woman to walk in space, spending over three hours outside the Salyut 7 space station. Her spacewalk marked a significant achievement for women in space exploration and set the stage for future female astronauts participating in human space missions.
