On this day, Mount Vesuvius erupted with catastrophic force, burying the cities of Pompeii, Herculaneum, Oplontis, and Stabiae under thick volcanic ash. Thousands perished as the disaster unfolded. New research suggests the eruption occurred in late October, not August as long believed. The tragedy left behind hauntingly preserved ruins, offering an unparalleled glimpse into life in ancient Rome.
79 – Vesuvius Unleashes Hell: The Day Pompeii Was Buried
On this day, Mamluk Sultan Qutuz was assassinated by his own commander, Baibars, who seized power for himself. Having led Egypt to victory against the Mongols at Ain Jalut, Qutuz's triumph was short-lived. His betrayal marked the rise of Baibars, who would go on to rule Egypt and Syria, shaping the region’s history through military conquests and political dominance.
1260 – The Rise of Baibars: A Deadly Betrayal in Egypt
One of history’s strangest legends tells of Spanish soldier Gil Pérez, who allegedly vanished from Manila and reappeared in Mexico City—on the same day! His bizarre tale of instant travel across the globe baffled authorities and fueled speculation about supernatural forces, secret experiments, or perhaps an extraordinary case of mistaken identity. Did he truly teleport, or was it a tall tale?
1593 – The Mysterious Case of Gil Pérez: Teleportation or Myth?
On this day, Levi P. Morton, the U.S. ambassador to France, drove the first rivet into what would become the Statue of Liberty. Constructed in Paris as a gift from France to the United States, Lady Liberty would soon stand as a beacon of hope and democracy for millions arriving in New York Harbor.
1881 – A Symbol of Freedom: The First Rivet in the Statue of Liberty
On this day, Annie Edson Taylor became the first woman to survive going over Niagara Falls in a barrel. Seeking fame and fortune, the 63-year-old schoolteacher took the plunge in a specially designed barrel, emerging bruised but alive. Though she made history, her stunt did not bring her the wealth she had hoped for, yet her daring spirit remains legendary.
