Greek forces decisively defeated Persian naval troops at the Battle of Mycale on the Ionian coast. This victory, paired with the earlier triumph at Plataea, marked the end of the Persian invasion of Greece and secured Greek freedom from Persian dominance, significantly shaping future Mediterranean power dynamics.
479 BC – Battle of Mycale Ends Persian Invasion
The West India Quay officially opened as London’s first purpose-built dock. Featuring the largest brick building in the world at that time, it revolutionized the shipping industry, significantly enhancing the capacity for trade and storage, and strengthening London’s role as a global trading hub.
1802 – West India Quay Opens in London
Edwin Drake drilled the first successful oil well near Titusville, Pennsylvania. His achievement marked the start of the modern petroleum industry, revolutionizing energy production and enabling the wide-scale use of oil in industry and transportation, leading to profound global economic and technological advancements.
1859 – First Successful Oil Well Drilled
The Krakatoa volcano in Indonesia erupted with a massive force, equivalent to 200 megatons of TNT. The explosion killed around 40,000 people, triggered tsunamis, and produced global climatic effects, including a dramatic drop in temperatures and vivid sunsets worldwide for months afterward.
1883 – Krakatoa Eruption Devastates Region
Britain defeated Zanzibar in a conflict lasting just 38 minutes, from 9:02 AM to 9:40 AM, making it the shortest recorded war in history. The overwhelming British military response crushed Zanzibar’s resistance, reaffirming British dominance in East Africa and reinforcing colonial control over the region.
