History Explained

Many historians think they don’t need to understand archaeology to understand history. Who needs objects when there are written records anyway? But the further back in time we study, the fewer records survive, and to understand prehistory – which by…

History Explained

A Brief History of History

Key facts about history Our idea of history has changed over time, and has been influenced by many things. The word 'history' comes from the Ancient Greek word for 'inquiry'. Herodotus is considered as the father of…

Subscribe to History Explained

Fact of the Day

There was no greater shame for a Frankish nobleman than to be seen carrying a dog.

Quote of the Day

"I believe I forgot to tell you I was made a Duke. "

~ Arthur Wellesley, Duke of Wellington

On This Day

1509 Pope Julius II, in his attempt to increase the power of the Church and to reduce Venice to a fishing village in the process, excommunicated the entire state.

1521 Ferdinand Magellan, the Portuguese explorer who organised the Spanish expedition to the East Indies, was killed by local tribesmen in the Philippines.

1667 A blind and impoverished (thanks to the restoration of the monarchy) John Milton sold the rights to his magnum opus for £10. As soon as it was published, it was hailed as a masterpiece.

1828 London Zoo opened its doors to the public for the first time.

1865 The American steam boat Sultana exploded and sank on the Mississippi, killing between 1,500 and 1,800 people. It remains one of the worst maritime events in US history.

1941 Athens fell to the German army, after a Blitzkrieg invasion of Greece that had lasted for less than a month.

1945 Italian fascist dictator Benito Mussolini and his mistress Claretta Petacci were caught trying to escape to Switzerland. They were summarily executed the following day.

1968 The Abortion Act, which allowed women abortions on certain medical grounds, came into effect.