On this day in history, August 12, a series of pivotal events have shaped the course of human civilization.
From the tragic suicide of Cleopatra VII in 30 BC, marking the end of the Ptolemaic Kingdom, to the discovery of Deimos by Asaph Hall in 1877, these events highlight moments of significant change, innovation, and conflict.
This article delves into twenty notable occurrences on August 12 across different centuries, offering a chronological exploration of how each event has contributed to our historical narrative.
August 12th – On this Day in History
30 BC – Cleopatra VII, the last ruler of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt, commits suicide by allowing herself to be bitten by an asp
Cleopatra VII, the iconic queen of ancient Egypt, is perhaps one of history’s most fascinating figures. After her defeat at the Battle of Actium and the subsequent fall of Alexandria to Octavian (the future Emperor Augustus), Cleopatra chose to end her life rather than be paraded in Rome as a captive.
According to tradition, she arranged to be bitten by an asp (a venomous snake), although some historical accounts suggest other methods. Her death marked the end of the Ptolemaic Kingdom and the beginning of Egypt’s status as a Roman province.
Cleopatra’s dramatic demise has been immortalized in literature, art, and cinema, symbolizing the end of an era and the ruthless nature of Roman expansion.
1099 – First Crusade: Battle of Ascalon – Crusaders under the command of Godfrey of Bouillon defeat Fatimid forces
The Battle of Ascalon, fought on August 12, 1099, was the final engagement of the First Crusade. Following their capture of Jerusalem in July, the Crusaders, led by Godfrey of Bouillon, sought to secure their new holdings against the Fatimid Caliphate, which had assembled an army to reclaim the city. The battle took place near the city of Ascalon (modern-day Ashkelon, Israel).
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The Crusaders launched a surprise attack on the Fatimid camp, achieving a decisive victory that solidified their control over Jerusalem and the surrounding areas. This victory was crucial in establishing the Latin Kingdom of Jerusalem and ensuring the initial success of the Crusades.
1480 – Battle of Otranto: Ottoman troops begin the Massacre of Otranto after capturing the city, killing 800 inhabitants
In 1480, the Ottoman Empire, under Sultan Mehmed II, launched an invasion of the Italian city of Otranto. After a fierce siege, the city fell to the Ottomans on August 11. The following day, the invaders began a brutal massacre of the inhabitants, with 800 citizens killed for refusing to convert to Islam.
Also Read: August 13th – On this Day in History
This event, known as the Massacre of Otranto, was part of the larger context of Ottoman expansion into Europe. The martyrdom of the Otranto citizens was later recognized by the Catholic Church, and they were canonized in 2013. The massacre left a lasting impact on the region and highlighted the intense religious and military conflicts of the time.
1492 – Christopher Columbus arrives in the Canary Islands on his first voyage to the New World
On August 12, 1492, Christopher Columbus reached the Canary Islands during his first voyage across the Atlantic Ocean. This stop was a crucial part of his expedition as the islands provided an opportunity to repair his ships and gather supplies for the long journey ahead.
The Canary Islands, located off the northwest coast of Africa, were under Spanish control and served as an important launching point for voyages to the New World.
Columbus’s voyage, funded by King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain, aimed to find a westward route to Asia. Instead, it led to the discovery of the Americas, initiating a new era of exploration and colonization.
1624 – Cardinal Richelieu becomes the chief minister to Louis XIII of France
On August 12, 1624, Cardinal Richelieu was appointed chief minister to King Louis XIII of France, marking the beginning of his significant influence over French politics. Richelieu, a skilled statesman and diplomat, aimed to strengthen royal authority and reduce the power of the nobility.
His tenure saw the centralization of the French state, the suppression of Huguenot uprisings, and the strategic involvement of France in the Thirty Years’ War to weaken Habsburg influence in Europe. Richelieu’s policies laid the groundwork for the absolute monarchy of Louis XIV and had a lasting impact on the political landscape of France.
1676 – King Philip’s War: The colonial forces of New England defeat the Wampanoag and their allies
King Philip’s War, also known as Metacom’s Rebellion, was a pivotal conflict between Native American inhabitants of New England and English settlers.
On August 12, 1676, colonial forces led by Captain Benjamin Church captured and killed Metacom (King Philip), the war chief of the Wampanoag. This decisive victory effectively ended the war, which had been marked by brutal fighting and significant casualties on both sides.
The death of Metacom led to the collapse of Native American resistance in the region. The war resulted in a heavy toll on the Native American population and a consolidation of English control over the region, profoundly altering the cultural and demographic landscape of New England.
1687 – Battle of Mohács: Hungary is annexed by the Ottoman Empire
The Battle of Mohács, fought on August 12, 1687, was a significant engagement between the Ottoman Empire and the Holy Roman Empire.
This battle is often confused with the earlier Battle of Mohács in 1526, which saw the Ottomans decisively defeating the Kingdom of Hungary. In the 1687 battle, the forces of the Holy Roman Empire, led by Charles of Lorraine, decisively defeated the Ottoman army.
This victory was a crucial part of the Great Turkish War, leading to the liberation of much of Hungary from Ottoman rule. The defeat weakened Ottoman influence in Central Europe and marked a turning point in the Habsburgs’ campaign to reclaim territories lost to the Ottomans.
1793 – The Rhône and Loire départements are created when the former département of Rhône-et-Loire is split into two
On August 12, 1793, during the French Revolution, the National Convention decreed the division of the Rhône-et-Loire département into two separate entities: Rhône and Loire. This administrative change was part of the broader reorganization of France’s territorial divisions aimed at decentralizing power and improving local governance.
The split was also influenced by political and economic considerations, as the region of Lyon, located in Rhône, was a significant center of commerce and industry.
By creating smaller départements, the revolutionary government sought to strengthen its control and ensure more effective administration. The creation of these two départements reflects the revolutionary ideals of rationalization and efficiency in governance.
1851 – Isaac Singer is granted a patent for his sewing machine
On August 12, 1851, Isaac Singer was awarded a patent for his innovative sewing machine, which would revolutionize the garment industry. Singer’s design introduced crucial improvements, such as a straight needle and an overhanging arm, allowing for continuous stitching in any part of the fabric. This made sewing much faster and more efficient compared to previous models.
Singer’s sewing machine became immensely popular and was instrumental in the mass production of clothing, significantly lowering the cost of garments and making them more accessible to the public.
The success of Singer’s invention also led to the establishment of the Singer Sewing Machine Company, which became a dominant player in the sewing machine industry worldwide.
1865 – Joseph Lister, a British surgeon, performs the first antiseptic surgery
On August 12, 1865, Joseph Lister, a pioneering British surgeon, performed the first surgery using antiseptic techniques. Lister applied carbolic acid (phenol) to sterilize surgical instruments and clean wounds, significantly reducing the risk of infection.
This groundbreaking approach was inspired by the germ theory of disease, which posited that microorganisms were responsible for infections. Lister’s antiseptic method dramatically improved surgical outcomes, reducing post-operative infections and mortality rates.
His work laid the foundation for modern surgical practices and antiseptic procedures, revolutionizing the field of medicine. Lister’s contributions earned him recognition as the “father of modern surgery” and have had a lasting impact on healthcare and patient safety.
1877 – Asaph Hall discovers Deimos, one of Mars’s moons
On August 12, 1877, American astronomer Asaph Hall made a significant astronomical discovery by identifying Deimos, one of the two moons orbiting Mars. Hall was using the United States Naval Observatory’s 26-inch refractor telescope, the largest in the world at that time, to study Mars.
Deimos, the smaller and outermost of Mars’s moons, was named after the Greek god of dread and terror. Just days later, Hall also discovered Phobos, the other Martian moon. These discoveries were pivotal in advancing the understanding of Mars and its satellites, providing valuable insights into the nature and origin of planetary moons in our solar system.
1898 – The Spanish–American War: The United States and Spain sign a protocol of peace in Washington, D.C
On August 12, 1898, the United States and Spain signed a protocol of peace in Washington, D.C., effectively ending the Spanish–American War. The war had begun in April 1898 following the explosion of the USS Maine in Havana Harbor and subsequent U.S. intervention in the Cuban War of Independence.
The conflict resulted in a decisive victory for the United States, leading to the signing of the peace protocol, which outlined the terms for the cessation of hostilities.
The formal Treaty of Paris, signed in December 1898, ceded control of Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines to the United States and granted Cuba its independence from Spain. This marked the emergence of the United States as a significant global power with overseas territories.
1908 – The first Model T Ford is built
On August 12, 1908, the first Model T Ford was completed at the Ford Piquette Avenue Plant in Detroit, Michigan. The Model T, also known as the “Tin Lizzie,” was designed by Henry Ford and his team to be affordable, reliable, and easy to operate. This revolutionary vehicle is often credited with “putting America on wheels” due to its impact on the automobile industry and American society.
The Model T was produced using assembly line techniques, which significantly reduced production costs and time. This innovation made cars accessible to the general public and transformed transportation, leading to profound changes in the economy, infrastructure, and lifestyle in the United States and beyond.
1914 – World War I: The United Kingdom declares war on Austria-Hungary; the countries of the British Empire follow suit
On August 12, 1914, during the early stages of World War I, the United Kingdom declared war on Austria-Hungary. This declaration was a response to Austria-Hungary’s aggression against Serbia, which had triggered a complex web of alliances and led to the broader conflict engulfing Europe.
Following the United Kingdom’s declaration, the countries of the British Empire, including Australia, Canada, India, New Zealand, and South Africa, also entered the war in support of the Allied Powers.
This marked the global escalation of the conflict, as nations around the world were drawn into the war. The involvement of the British Empire played a crucial role in the eventual defeat of the Central Powers and reshaped the geopolitical landscape of the 20th century.
1933 – The Nazis instigate the mass burning of books in Germany
On August 12, 1933, the Nazi regime in Germany initiated a series of mass book burnings, targeting works they deemed “un-German” or subversive. These book burnings were part of a broader campaign to control and censor intellectual and cultural life in Germany, aligning it with Nazi ideology.
The infamous event saw thousands of books by Jewish, communist, liberal, and other “unacceptable” authors consigned to the flames in public squares across Germany.
This act of cultural barbarism was a prelude to more extensive repressive measures, including the persecution of intellectuals, artists, and other figures who opposed or did not conform to the Nazi worldview.
The book burnings of 1933 are remembered as a stark symbol of the dangers of censorship and the suppression of free thought.
1944 – Nazi German troops end the week-long Wola massacre in Warsaw, Poland
The Wola massacre, one of the most brutal episodes of World War II, concluded on August 12, 1944. This mass killing was carried out by Nazi German troops against the civilian population of the Wola district in Warsaw, Poland, during the Warsaw Uprising. The uprising was an attempt by the Polish resistance to liberate Warsaw from German occupation.
In retaliation, Nazi forces, under the command of SS General Erich von dem Bach-Zelewski, initiated a systematic massacre, aiming to crush the rebellion and terrorize the Polish population.
Over the course of a week, approximately 40,000 to 50,000 people, including women, children, and the elderly, were brutally murdered. The Wola massacre remains a poignant symbol of Nazi atrocities and the immense suffering endured by the Polish people during the occupation.
1953 – The Soviet Union conducts a hydrogen bomb test
On August 12, 1953, the Soviet Union successfully tested its first hydrogen bomb, known as RDS-6s, at the Semipalatinsk Test Site in Kazakhstan.
This detonation, which followed the United States’ development of its own hydrogen bomb in 1952, marked a significant escalation in the nuclear arms race between the two superpowers during the Cold War.
The Soviet hydrogen bomb, yielding 400 kilotons of TNT, was a pivotal advancement in nuclear weapons technology, demonstrating the USSR’s ability to produce thermonuclear devices with vastly greater destructive power than earlier atomic bombs.
This event intensified the global tension and competition between the United States and the Soviet Union, leading to an era of nuclear brinkmanship that defined much of the mid-20th century.
1960 – The first successful communications satellite, Echo 1A, is launched by NASA
On August 12, 1960, NASA launched Echo 1A, the first successful communications satellite, into orbit. Echo 1A was a passive satellite, essentially a large metallic balloon that reflected radio signals transmitted from the ground. Its successful deployment marked a major milestone in space communications.
The satellite enabled transcontinental and intercontinental radio, telephone, and television transmissions, proving the feasibility of satellite communication. Echo 1A’s launch heralded the beginning of the satellite communications era, paving the way for the development of more sophisticated and active communications satellites.
This technological leap forward revolutionized global communications, facilitating instantaneous information exchange and connecting people across vast distances.
1981 – The IBM Personal Computer is released
On August 12, 1981, IBM introduced its first personal computer, the IBM PC (model number 5150). This groundbreaking product is widely regarded as the catalyst for the personal computer revolution.
The IBM PC was equipped with an Intel 8088 processor, a 16-bit microprocessor, and initially came with 16 KB of memory, which could be expanded. It also featured an open architecture, allowing third-party developers to create compatible hardware and software.
The release of the IBM PC standardized the personal computer market and significantly boosted the growth of the PC industry. It set the stage for the proliferation of personal computers in homes and businesses, fundamentally transforming how people work, communicate, and entertain themselves.
1990 – Sue, the largest and most complete Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton found to date, is discovered in South Dakota
On August 12, 1990, paleontologist Sue Hendrickson discovered the fossilized remains of a Tyrannosaurus rex near Faith, South Dakota. This remarkable find, later named “Sue” in her honor, is the largest, most complete, and best-preserved T. rex skeleton ever unearthed.
Sue’s skeleton is approximately 90% complete, providing invaluable insights into the biology, behavior, and anatomy of one of the most famous and fearsome dinosaurs.
The discovery sparked significant interest and legal battles over ownership, ultimately leading to the Field Museum in Chicago purchasing the skeleton at auction for $8.36 million in 1997.
Sue has since become one of the Field Museum’s most popular exhibits, captivating millions of visitors and advancing the scientific understanding of Tyrannosaurus rex and the prehistoric world.