June 5

in History

Chang'an, China (modern Xi'an)Medieval

663

Daming Palace Opens

The Tang dynasty builds its greatest monument

In Chang'an, the greatest city in the medieval world, the Daming Palace became the official seat of government and royal residence of the Tang dynasty. Covering an area several times larger than the Forbidden City, it was the most magnificent palace complex in Chinese history, housing government offices, ceremonial halls, gardens, and lakes within its vast walls. For over two centuries, the fate of the world's most populous empire was decided within its gates.

663 AD

Pretoria, South AfricaEarly 20th Century

1900

British Capture Pretoria

The Boer capital falls to the Empire

British troops under Lord Roberts marched into Pretoria, the capital of the Transvaal Republic, effectively ending the conventional phase of the Second Boer War. The Boer government had already fled, and the city surrendered without a fight. But the war was far from over -- the Boers would wage a devastating guerrilla campaign for two more years, prompting the British to adopt scorched-earth tactics and concentration camps that shocked the world.

1900 AD

John Profumo — British politician John Profumo (pictured) admitted that he had lied to the House of Commons about his involvement in.

British politician (1915–2006)Late 20th Century

1963

John Profumo

British politician John Profumo (pictured) admitted that he had lied to the House of Commons about his involvement in.

John Dennis Profumo was a British politician whose career ended in 1963 after a sexual relationship with the 19-year-old model Christine Keeler in 1961. The scandal, which became known as the Profumo affair, led to his resignation from the Conservative government of Harold Macmillan.

1963 AD