April 29

in History

Rome, ItalyMedieval

801

Earthquake Shakes Rome

The earth trembles beneath ancient basilicas

A powerful earthquake originating in the Central Apennines shook the Italian peninsula, rattling the walls of Rome and the city of Spoleto. The tremor damaged the great basilica of San Paolo Fuori le Mura, one of the most sacred churches in Christendom. Recorded independently by both Einhard's Royal Frankish Annals and the Liber Pontificalis, this seismic event left archaeological traces that scientists continue to study more than twelve centuries later.

801 AD

Amelia Best Was Born — Tasmania would soon hear her voice

Tasmania, AustraliaEarly 20th Century

1900

Amelia Best Was Born

Tasmania would soon hear her voice

In Tasmania, Amelia Martha Best was born -- a woman who would become one of the first two women elected to the Tasmanian House of Assembly, breaking barriers in Australian politics. Awarded an MBE for her public service, she championed the rights of ordinary Tasmanians and proved that women could not only participate in democratic governance but excel at it. Her pioneering career opened doors that generations of women politicians would walk through.

1900 AD

1914–1918 global conflictEarly 20th Century

1916

World War I

World War I: The UK's 6th Indian Division surrenders to Ottoman Forces at the Siege of Kut in one of the largest.

World War I, or the First World War, also known as the Great War, was a global conflict between two coalitions: the Allies and the Central Powers. Major areas of conflict included Europe and the Middle East, as well as parts of Africa and the Asia-Pacific. The war saw important developments in weaponry including tanks, aircraft, artillery, machine guns, and chemical weapons.

1916 AD