Throughout history, May 29 has been a date marked by notable events that have shaped the course of nations, cultures, and societies.
From pivotal battles and historic achievements to influential cultural milestones and political transformations, this day has witnessed a wide array of significant occurrences.
From the fall of Constantinople to the groundbreaking ascent of Mount Everest, explore the historical narratives and legacies that continue to resonate today.
May 29th – On this Day in History
363 – Roman Emperor Julian dies in the Battle of Samarra against the Persian Empire, leading to the withdrawal of Roman forces from Persia
Emperor Julian, also known as Julian the Apostate, led a military campaign against the Persian Empire. During the Battle of Samarra, he was mortally wounded by a spear, possibly thrown by a Persian soldier.
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His death marked the end of his ambitious efforts to restore paganism in the Roman Empire and weakened Roman control in the East. His death forced the Roman army to negotiate a retreat with the Persians, resulting in the loss of several Roman territories.
757 – Paul I begins his papacy as the 93rd pope
Pope Paul I succeeded his brother, Pope Stephen II, becoming the 93rd pope of the Roman Catholic Church. His papacy lasted from 757 to 767.
He was known for his efforts to protect the city of Rome and the Papal States from Lombard aggression and for strengthening the alliance between the Papacy and the Frankish Kingdom. He also worked on securing the independence of the Papal States from Byzantine control.
1108 – Louis VI, “the Fat One,” begins his reign as King of France
Louis VI, known as Louis the Fat due to his corpulent figure, began his reign in 1108. He was an energetic and resourceful king who worked tirelessly to strengthen the French monarchy and reduce the influence of rebellious nobles.
His reign marked the beginning of the consolidation of royal power in France. He also laid the foundations for the Capetian dynasty’s future expansion and stabilization of the French kingdom.
1167 – The Battle of Monte Porzio is fought, with Frederick I Barbarossa’s forces defeating the Roman Commune
The Battle of Monte Porzio occurred near Rome, where the forces of Holy Roman Emperor Frederick I Barbarossa, along with his allies, the local nobility and the forces of the city of Tusculum, defeated the Roman Commune.
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The Roman Commune had risen in rebellion against the authority of the Pope and the Holy Roman Emperor. This victory helped Frederick Barbarossa reassert his authority over Italy and the Papal States, reinforcing his campaign to control the Italian territories.
1176 – The Battle of Legnano is fought, with the Lombard League defeating Frederick I Barbarossa
The Battle of Legnano was a significant conflict between the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick I Barbarossa and the Lombard League, an alliance of northern Italian city-states. On May 29, 1176, the forces of the Lombard League, which included Milan, Venice, and other cities, defeated Barbarossa’s army.
This victory was crucial as it marked a turning point in the struggle for independence of the northern Italian cities from imperial control. It eventually led to the Treaty of Venice in 1177, which recognized the autonomy of the Lombard League and curtailed Barbarossa’s ambitions in Italy.
1453 – The Fall of Constantinople occurs as the Ottoman Empire captures the capital of the Byzantine Empire
The Fall of Constantinople on May 29, 1453, marked the end of the Byzantine Empire and was a significant turning point in world history. Led by Sultan Mehmed II, the Ottoman forces besieged the city for 53 days.
Despite the efforts of Emperor Constantine XI and his defenders, the city’s walls were breached, and Constantinople was captured. This event not only marked the end of the Middle Ages but also facilitated the spread of Renaissance ideas to Western Europe as many Greek scholars fled the city.
The fall of Constantinople established the Ottomans as a dominant power in southeastern Europe and the eastern Mediterranean.
1660 – Charles II is restored to the throne of England, marking the end of the English Commonwealth
The restoration of Charles II to the English throne on May 29, 1660, ended over a decade of republican government following the English Civil War and the execution of Charles I. This event is known as the Restoration.
Charles II’s return from exile was marked by widespread public celebration and the re-establishment of the monarchy, the Church of England, and the traditional political structures. The Restoration period saw significant cultural and scientific advancements, despite ongoing political challenges and conflicts.
1727 – Peter II becomes Emperor of Russia
Peter II ascended to the Russian throne on May 29, 1727, following the death of his grandfather, Peter the Great, and the brief reign of his aunt, Empress Catherine I.
Peter II was only 11 years old when he became emperor, and his reign was dominated by the influence of powerful noble families, particularly the Dolgorukovs and the Golitsyns. His reign was short-lived, as he died of smallpox in 1730 at the age of 14, leading to the ascension of Empress Anna Ivanovna.
1736 – Patrick Henry, American lawyer and politician, is born
Patrick Henry, born on May 29, 1736, in Hanover County, Virginia, was a prominent figure in the American Revolution and an influential advocate for independence from Britain. He is best known for his declaration, “Give me liberty, or give me death!” during a speech at the Virginia Convention in 1775.
Henry played a significant role in the movement for American independence, serving as the first and sixth post-colonial Governor of Virginia and as a member of the Continental Congress. His passionate oratory and commitment to liberty made him one of the most admired and influential figures of the revolutionary era.
1780 – The Pennsylvania Evening Post becomes the first daily newspaper in the United States
On May 29, 1780, The Pennsylvania Evening Post became the first daily newspaper published in the United States. Founded by Benjamin Towne in Philadelphia, this newspaper played a crucial role in informing the public during a time of significant political and social change.
Its daily publication schedule set a new standard for the American press, providing timely news coverage and fostering an informed citizenry. The paper covered important events of the American Revolution and early republic, contributing to the development of a free and independent press in the United States.
1790 – Rhode Island becomes the last of the original Thirteen Colonies to ratify the United States Constitution
On May 29, 1790, Rhode Island ratified the United States Constitution, becoming the 13th state to join the Union. Rhode Island had initially resisted ratification due to concerns over the loss of state sovereignty and the lack of a Bill of Rights.
The state was the last of the original colonies to ratify the document, doing so after assurances that the Bill of Rights would be added. The ratification marked the completion of the United States’ initial formation and ensured that all former colonies were united under the new federal government.
1825 – The New York Stock Exchange opens its first permanent headquarters at 40 Wall Street
The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) established its first permanent headquarters at 40 Wall Street on May 29, 1825. The move to this location marked a significant development in the formalization and centralization of stock trading in the United States.
The NYSE, which originated from the Buttonwood Agreement of 1792, quickly became the country’s leading financial market. The establishment of a permanent headquarters helped to standardize operations and fostered the growth of the financial industry in New York City, which would go on to become one of the world’s major financial centers.
1848 – Wisconsin is admitted as the 30th state of the United States
On May 29, 1848, Wisconsin was admitted to the Union as the 30th state. The journey to statehood involved significant development and settlement, particularly after the Black Hawk War in 1832, which opened up more land for American settlers.
The state played a key role in the westward expansion of the United States and was known for its diverse population, including significant numbers of immigrants from Germany and Scandinavia. Wisconsin’s admission to the Union marked a further step in the expansion of the United States towards the west.
1864 – Emperor Maximilian I of Mexico arrives in Mexico for the first time
Emperor Maximilian I of Mexico, an Austrian archduke, arrived in Veracruz, Mexico, on May 29, 1864. He had been invited to rule Mexico by conservative Mexican factions and was supported by Napoleon III of France.
Maximilian’s arrival marked the beginning of the Second Mexican Empire, a short-lived monarchy established during the French intervention in Mexico.
Despite his progressive policies and efforts to gain popular support, Maximilian’s reign was plagued by resistance from Mexican liberals led by Benito Juárez. His rule ended tragically in 1867 when he was captured and executed by Republican forces.
1886 – The pharmacist John Pemberton places his first advertisement for Coca-Cola, the ad appearing in the Atlanta Journal
On May 29, 1886, John Pemberton, an Atlanta-based pharmacist, placed his first advertisement for Coca-Cola in the Atlanta Journal. Pemberton had created the beverage as a medicinal tonic, originally marketed as a cure for various ailments.
The first ad highlighted Coca-Cola’s refreshing qualities and health benefits, promoting it as a delicious and temperance-friendly drink. This advertisement marked the beginning of Coca-Cola’s journey to becoming one of the world’s most recognized and consumed beverages.
Pemberton’s creation, initially sold at soda fountains, would eventually become a global brand and cultural icon.
1913 – Igor Stravinsky’s ballet “The Rite of Spring” premieres in Paris, leading to a riot in the audience
On May 29, 1913, Igor Stravinsky’s ballet “The Rite of Spring” premiered at the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées in Paris. The performance, choreographed by Vaslav Nijinsky and produced by Sergei Diaghilev’s Ballets Russes, was groundbreaking in its avant-garde music and choreography.
The intense and dissonant score, coupled with the innovative and primal dance movements, shocked the audience, leading to a riot. Some spectators were outraged by the radical departure from traditional ballet, while others were enthralled.
Despite the initial controversy, “The Rite of Spring” has since become one of the most celebrated and influential works in the history of music and dance.
1914 – The ocean liner RMS Empress of Ireland sinks in the Gulf of St. Lawrence with the loss of over 1,000 lives
On May 29, 1914, the RMS Empress of Ireland, a Canadian Pacific steamship, collided with the Norwegian collier SS Storstad in the foggy waters of the Gulf of St. Lawrence near Quebec, Canada. The Empress of Ireland sank rapidly, resulting in the deaths of 1,012 of the 1,477 people on board.
The tragedy occurred just two years after the sinking of the Titanic and became one of the deadliest maritime disasters in Canadian history. The disaster highlighted issues with maritime safety regulations and the need for improvements in ship design and emergency procedures.
1932 – World War I veterans begin arriving in Washington, D.C., leading to the formation of the Bonus Army
On May 29, 1932, World War I veterans, later known as the Bonus Army, began arriving in Washington, D.C., to demand early payment of a promised bonus for their wartime service. The Great Depression had left many veterans destitute, and they sought immediate financial relief.
The veterans set up camps and staged protests, which grew to over 20,000 participants. The situation culminated in July 1932 when President Herbert Hoover ordered the U.S. Army to disperse the protesters, leading to violent clashes.
The incident drew national attention to the plight of veterans and the broader economic hardships of the Depression.
1953 – Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay become the first people to reach the summit of Mount Everest
On May 29, 1953, New Zealand mountaineer Sir Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay achieved the first confirmed ascent of Mount Everest, the highest peak in the world. Their successful climb was part of a British expedition led by Colonel John Hunt.
After overcoming numerous challenges, including severe weather and treacherous terrain, Hillary and Norgay reached the summit, standing at 8,848 meters (29,029 feet). Their achievement was a monumental milestone in mountaineering history and brought them international acclaim.
The news of their ascent was celebrated worldwide and coincided with the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, adding to the jubilation in the United Kingdom.
1999 – Olusegun Obasanjo is sworn in as the President of Nigeria, ending 16 years of military rule
On May 29, 1999, Olusegun Obasanjo was inaugurated as the President of Nigeria, marking the end of 16 years of military rule. Obasanjo, a former military head of state, had transitioned to a civilian leader after winning the presidential election. His inauguration symbolized a significant shift towards democratic governance in Nigeria.
During his presidency, Obasanjo focused on economic reforms, anti-corruption measures, and efforts to stabilize and democratize the country. His leadership played a crucial role in Nigeria’s ongoing journey towards establishing a stable and democratic political system.