1970: Heyerdahl sails papyrus boat
The Ra II, a
papyrus sailing vessel constructed by
Norwegian anthropologist
Thor Heyerdahl, sets sail across the Atlantic on this day. In 1969, a
replica of an ancient Egyptian vessel was constructed of papyrus reeds by Heyerdahl to test his theory that the ancient Egyptians were the first to sail to America. The Ra, which left
Morocco for Central America in May 1969, foundered 600 miles short of its goal, but Heyerdahl immediately started work on a new papyrus boat. On May 17, 1970, the Ra II left Morocco and proved seaworthy enough to transport a multinational crew across the Atlantic Ocean in 57 days.
1997
After his military forces take control of the capital, Kinshasa,
Laurent Kabila announces he is taking power as head of state in Zaire. He renames the country, the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
1994
After holding power for 30 years, Kamuzu Banda, one of Africa's longest-serving leaders, is removed from office in
Malawi in the country's first multi-party elections.
1987
An Iraqi F-I Mirage fighter plane fires two missiles at the USS Stark while it is on patrol in the Gulf. 37 American seamen are killed and at least 60 others injured.1978
Compact discs are created by Philips.1978
The coffin of Hollywood comedy
actor Charlie Chaplin is found 10 miles from the Swiss cemetry where he had been buried, after being stolen on March 2nd.
1973
In America, a Senate Committee headed by Senator Sam Ervin begins its investigation into 'Watergate' - which eventually leads to the resignation of President Richard Nixon for trying to cover up the illegal campaign activities of some members of his
administration. 1954
The US
Supreme Court overturns a ruling dating back to 1896 that education should be 'separate but equal'. This new ruling outlaws segregation in America's state school system.
1940
World War II:
German troops enter the Belgian capital of Brussels.
1900
In the
Boer War in
South Africa, a small British
cavalry force relieve the town of Mafeking after a 217 day siege by the Boers. The British garrison commander is Colonel Robert Baden-Powell.
1890
In
Rome, the first performance of Pietro Mascagni's opera 'Cavalleria Rusticana'.
1875
The first Kentucky Derby is staged at Churchill Downs, Kentucky and won by a horse named
Aristides. 1861
A group of holidaymakers sets off from London on the first foreign 'package trip' arranged by Thomas Cook - a six day holiday in
Paris. 1814
Norway adopts a new constitution and declares its independence from its
Scandinavian neighbours,
Sweden. 1792
In New York, 24 brokers meet on
Wall Street to sign an agreement to fix uniform
rates of commission for the sale of
stocks and bonds - effectively establishing the city's first
stock exchange.
1198
Three year old
Frederick II is crowned King of Sicily.
1956
American boxer Sugar Ray Leonard. The first boxer to win world titles at five different weights.1918
Swedish soprano
Brigit Nilsson.
1900
Iranian religious leader Ayatollah Khomeni. Returns to
Iran from exile following the overthrow of the Shah of Iran in 1979. Khomeni rules Iran until his death in 1989.
1866
French composer and pianist Erik Satie.1749
Vaccination pioneer Edward Jenner1998
British journalist and former Daily
Mirror editor
Hugh Cudlipp, aged 84. He had been Fleet Street's youngest-ever editor being put in charge of the Sunday Pictorial when only 24.
1935
French composer Paul Dukas. Compositions included the 'Sorcerer's Apprentice' featured in the Disney animation film 'Fantasia'.1727
Catherine I, Empress of Russia.1510
Florentine painter
Sandro Botticelli - works included 'The Birth of Venus' and 'Primavera'.
