September 21 has been marked by significant events, discoveries, and shifts that have shaped our world’s history in numerous ways. Delving into the happenings on this day reveals an array of moments, from the cultural and social to the political and scientific. Let’s uncover some of these pivotal occurrences.
Today in History: 21 September
1. 455 AD: Sack of Rome
On this day, the Vandals under King Genseric entered Rome and plundered the city for two weeks. This event marked the second of three occasions in the fifth century when the Eternal City would fall to foreign invaders, signifying the weakening and eventual fall of the Western Roman Empire.
2. 1792: The French Revolution and the Abolition of the Monarchy
At a pivotal point in the French Revolution, the National Convention declared France a republic and abolished the monarchy. King Louis XVI, already dethroned and detained, would be tried for high treason and ultimately executed the following January.
3. 1860: The Discovery of the Second Opium War
On this day, British troops captured the Chinese city of Beijing, a major event in the Second Opium War. The following month, Beijing’s Summer Palace was destroyed by British forces. The war eventually led to the Treaty of Tientsin, which expanded foreign trade rights in China and legalized the opium trade.
4. 1937: “The Hobbit” is Published
J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Hobbit” was published in the UK. This book not only introduced readers to Middle Earth but also laid the groundwork for Tolkien’s subsequent and more expansive work, “The Lord of the Rings.” Today, “The Hobbit” remains a seminal work in the fantasy genre.
5. 1942: The Holocaust and Babi Yar
During World War II, in a ravine called Babi Yar in Kyiv, SS and German police units, supported by local collaborators, began mass executions of Jews. Over two days, more than 33,000 Jews were killed. This massacre is one of the largest mass murders at an individual location during World War II.
6. 1964: Malta Gains Independence
Formerly a British colony and important naval base, Malta gained its independence on this day. While it remained in the Commonwealth, the island nation would go on to become a republic in 1974.
7. 1972: Martial Law in the Philippines
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos declared Martial Law, citing alleged threats of communist insurgency. The declaration dissolved the existing constitution, shut down media establishments, and led to the arrest of opposition leaders and journalists. This period, which lasted until 1981, was marked by human rights violations and curtailed freedoms.
8. 1981: Belize Achieves Sovereignty
Belize, formerly known as British Honduras, achieved full sovereignty on this day, ending centuries of European colonization that began with the Spanish and ended with the British. Belize had been self-governing since 1964 but achieved full independence in 1981, with tensions regarding territorial disputes with neighbouring Guatemala being prominent.
9. 2001: Deep Space Communication
NASA’s Deep Space Network sent a signal to the distant Pioneer 10 spacecraft to test its “big dish” antennas. This spacecraft, launched in 1972, became the first to travel through the asteroid belt and make a flyby of Jupiter. By this point in 2001, it was over 7 billion miles from Earth.
10. 2013: Attack on Westgate Mall in Nairobi
Terrorists from the extremist group al-Shabaab launched an attack on the Westgate shopping mall in Nairobi, Kenya. This horrifying siege lasted for three days and resulted in the death of at least 67 people. The attack prompted international condemnation and a reassessment of security measures in public spaces worldwide.
Notable Births on 21 September:
- 1866: H.G. Wells, an English author best known for his works in the science fiction genre such as “The War of the Worlds” and “The Time Machine,” was born.
- 1912: Chuck Jones, American animator, and filmmaker, responsible for some of the most iconic Looney Tunes characters, was born.
Notable Deaths on 21 September:
- 19 BC: Virgil, the Roman poet best known for his epic “The Aeneid,” passed away.
- 1832: Sir Walter Scott, Scottish historical novelist and poet, died. He’s best known for works like “Ivanhoe” and “Rob Roy.”
Conclusion:
September 21st, like every date on the calendar, tells a story of human endeavour, challenges, innovations, and transformations. From the world of literature with the birth of renowned authors to political upheavals that shaped the fate of nations, every event adds to our collective human experience. Reflecting on these events reminds us of the cyclical nature of history, the impermanence of power, and the enduring spirit of human creativity and resilience.