This Day That Year

July 17

in History

First African Martyrs — Twelve believers die for a forbidden faith
Scillium, Numidia (modern Tunisia)Classical
180

First African Martyrs

Twelve believers die for a forbidden faith

In the North African town of Scillium, twelve Christians were executed for refusing to renounce their faith, becoming the earliest recorded martyrs of Christianity in Africa. Their trial and execution produced the oldest surviving document of the African church, marking the moment when the new religion's roots first visibly penetrated the soil of a continent it would profoundly reshape.

180 AD
Luigi Chinetti Was Born — The man who brought Ferrari to America
Lugo di Romagna, ItalyEarly 20th Century
1901

Luigi Chinetti Was Born

The man who brought Ferrari to America

In the Italian town of Lugo di Romagna, Luigi Chinetti was born with motor oil in his veins. He would become a legendary racing driver, winning three outright victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, before emigrating to America where he became the exclusive importer of Ferrari automobiles. His passion and business acumen brought the prancing horse emblem to American roads and racetracks.

1901 AD
Russian Revolution — Russian Revolution: Tsar Nicholas II and his family (pictured) were murdered by Bolsheviks at Yekaterinburg.
Early 20th Century
1918

Russian Revolution

Russian Revolution: Tsar Nicholas II and his family (pictured) were murdered by Bolsheviks at Yekaterinburg.

Russian Revolution: Tsar Nicholas II and his family (pictured) were murdered by Bolsheviks at Yekaterinburg.

1918 AD