1533: Pizarro executes last Incan emperor
Spanish
conquistador Francisco Pizarro executes Atahuallpa, the last Incan emperor. High in the Andes Mountains of
Peru, the
Inca built a dazzling civilization that thrived for three centuries. Although they had no writing system, they had an elaborate government, great public works, and a brilliant agricultural system. However, 180 Spanish conquistadors led by Pizarro destroyed the civilization. After winning Emperor Atahuallpa's trust, Pizarro laid an ambush for the Inca leader and his army. Buckling under an assault by the terrifying Spanish artillery and
cavalry, thousands of Incas were slaughtered. Pizarro imprisoned Atahuallpa, exacted a room full of gold as ransom for his life, and then treacherously executed him.
1966
British group The Beatles give their last live concert performance to a crowd of around 25,000 at Candlestick Park, San Francisco, USA.1964
The musical 'Mary Poppins' starring Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke goes on official release.1949
The
Soviet Union tests its first
atomic bomb - although news of the test explosion isn't announced for another three weeks
1943
World War II:
Denmark abandons its policy of co-operation with
German invasion forces with the start of a popular uprising which includes the scuttling of the remaining 30 ships of the Danish Navy.
1929
German airship Graf Zeppelin completes a 21 day voyage around the world.1916
World War I: General Hindenburg is appointed German Chief of Staff.1897
Star of David becomes the official
emblem of Jews throughout the world.
1885
The first motorcycle is patented by Gottlieb Daimler in
Germany. 1882
The England cricket team loses to
Australia, in England, for the first time. An 'obituary' printed in the Sporting Times, talks of 'the Ashes' of English Cricket being taken back to Australia. Test Series between the two countries are now played for 'The Ashes'.
1842
Britain and
China sign the Treaty of Nanking - ending the Opium War and leasing the
Hong Kong territories to
Britain. 1835
Founding of the Australian city of Melbourne.1831
Scientist Michael Faraday demonstrates the production of electricity from magnetism using the world's first transformer - at the Royal Institute in London.1782
100-tonne British
battleship HMS Royal George sinks off Spithead with the loss of more than 900 crew while repairs are being carried out beneath the ship's waterline.
30AD
The date on which dancing girl
Salome is said to have been presented by King Herod with a plate bearing the head of John the
Baptist. 
