On September 18, 96, Roman Emperor Domitian was assassinated in a conspiracy involving his wife Domitia and Praetorian prefects. His authoritarian rule had created widespread fear and resentment among the Roman elite. His death marked the end of the Flavian dynasty and the ascension of Nerva, initiating a more stable and conciliatory reign.
96 – Emperor Domitian Assassinated
On September 18, 324, Constantine the Great secured a decisive victory over Licinius at the Battle of Chrysopolis. This battle gave Constantine undisputed control of the Roman Empire. His victory consolidated the empire under a single ruler, paving the way for significant reforms and the promotion of Christianity as the state religion.
324 – Constantine the Great Defeats Licinius
On September 18, 1066, Norwegian King Harald Hardrada, along with his ally Tostig Godwinson, landed in England at the Humber River, initiating his campaign for the English throne. This invasion led to the pivotal Battle of Stamford Bridge, weakening England’s defenses just before the Norman invasion later that year.
1066 – Harald Hardrada Lands in England
On September 18, 1793, President George Washington laid the cornerstone of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. The Capitol was designed to house the legislative branch of the U.S. government, becoming a symbol of American democracy. Its construction marked a critical step in establishing the new nation’s political infrastructure.
1793 – George Washington Lays Capitol Cornerstone
On September 18, 1873, the collapse of Jay Cooke & Company sparked the Panic of 1873. This financial meltdown led to a prolonged economic depression that severely impacted both the United States and Europe. The event marked the beginning of the Long Depression, with widespread bank failures and economic downturns lasting for years.
