February 16

in History

Nichiren Was Born — The founder of a Buddhist revolution

Awa Province, JapanMedieval

1222

Nichiren Was Born

The founder of a Buddhist revolution

On the coast of medieval Japan, Nichiren was born into a fisherman's family. He would grow to become one of the most influential and controversial figures in Japanese Buddhism, founding a school that emphasized the Lotus Sutra as the ultimate Buddhist teaching. His fiery personality, bold criticisms of other Buddhist schools, and prophetic warnings to the Japanese government made him a revolutionary figure whose followers number in the millions today.

1222 AD

Farthest South Achieved — Explorers push deeper into Antarctica's grip

AntarcticaEarly 20th Century

1900

Farthest South Achieved

Explorers push deeper into Antarctica's grip

The Southern Cross Expedition, led by Norwegian explorer Carsten Borchgrevink, achieved a new Farthest South of 78 degrees 50 minutes south latitude, penetrating deeper into Antarctica than any human expedition before. Battling brutal cold, treacherous ice, and the vast loneliness of the polar wilderness, the explorers pushed the boundaries of human endurance and geographical knowledge, bringing the South Pole itself tantalizingly closer to reach.

1900 AD

Early 20th Century

1942

World War II

World War II: In Athens, the Greek People's Liberation Army is established

1942 AD