The construction of the dome of the Florence Cathedral (Duomo) begins under the direction of architect Filippo Brunelleschi. This dome would become one of the greatest architectural achievements of the Renaissance and a symbol of the city of Florence, showcasing advancements in engineering and design.
1420 - Construction of the Dome of Florence Cathedral Begins
General George Washington creates the Badge of Military Merit, later known as the Purple Heart, to recognize soldiers for their bravery during the American Revolutionary War. This was one of the first military awards given in the world, and it would evolve into the modern U.S. Purple Heart medal.
1782 - George Washington Establishes the Purple Heart
In one of the most decisive battles of Latin America's independence wars, Simón Bolívar leads his troops to victory against Spanish royalists in the Battle of Boyacá in modern-day Colombia. This victory secures Colombia's independence and paves the way for the liberation of several other South American nations.
1819 - The Battle of Boyacá
Norwegian explorer Thor Heyerdahl and his crew successfully complete the 101-day, 4,300-mile journey across the Pacific Ocean, arriving in the Tuamotu Islands. Using a balsa wood raft called Kon-Tiki, they aimed to prove that ancient peoples could have made long sea voyages between South America and Polynesia.
1947 - Thor Heyerdahl’s Kon-Tiki Expedition Reaches Polynesia
A brief but intense military conflict erupts between Russia and Georgia over the breakaway regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia. The war lasts five days, leading to significant loss of life and the eventual recognition by Russia of the independence of these regions, further straining relations between Russia and the West.
