Today, on the history corner, we take a trip in the realm of flashback and recall some events that marked this day.
February 16, 600
Pope Gregory the Great decrees saying “God bless You” is the correct response to a sneeze
February 16, 116
Emperor Trajan sends laureata to Roman Senate at Rome
February 16, 1249
Andrew of Longjumeau is dispatched by Louis IX of France as his ambassador to meet with the Khan of the Mongols
February 16, 1699
1st partition of Poland, between Austria, Prussia & Russia
February 16, 1741
Benjamin Franklin’s General Magazine (2nd US Mag) begins publishing
February 16, 1804
1st Barbary War: Stephen Decatur leads a raid to burn the pirate-held frigate USS Philadelphia
February 16, 1862
Confederate Constitution & presidency are declared permanent
February 16, 1918
Lithuania proclaims independence
February 16, 1923
Howard Carter opens the inner burial chamber of the Pharaoh Tutankhamun’s tomb and finds the sarcophagus
February 16, 1936
1st National Football League draft (Eagles take Jay Berwanger)
February 16, 1943
German tank leader von Rundstedt promoted to field marshal
February 16, 1959
Fidel Castro becomes Premier of Cuba after dictator Fulgencio Batista was overthrown on January 1
February 16, 1968
In Haleyville, Alabama, the first 9-1-1 emergency telephone system goes into service.
February 16, 1977
Janani Luwum, Anglican archbishop of Uganda, is murdered by Idi Amin’s regime
February 16, 1986
The Soviet liner MS Mikhail Lermontov runs aground in the Marlborough Sounds, New Zealand.
February 16, 1999
Across Europe, Kurdish rebels take over embassies and hold hostages after Turkey arrests one of their rebel leaders, Abdullah Öcalan.
February 16, 2005
The Kyoto Protocol comes into force, following its ratification by Russia.
February 16, 2011
In the wake of the Arab Spring, protests break out in Libya, eventually leading to civil war and the downfall of Muammar Gaddafi.
February 16, 2018
A gunman opens fire at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, killing 17 people and injuring 17 others.
February 16, 2021
NASA’s Perseverance rover successfully lands on Mars, beginning its mission to search for signs of ancient life and collect samples for potential return to Earth.
Please note that these are just a few historical events that happened on February 16. History is full of numerous other significant events on this day, ranging from politics and warfare to cultural and scientific milestones.
Sodiq Lawal is a passionate and dedicated journalist with a knack for uncovering captivating stories in the bustling metropolis of Osun State and Nigeria at large. He has a versatile reporting style, covering a wide range of topics, from politics , campus, and social issues to arts and culture, seeking impact in all facets of the society.
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