May 23

in History

Palenque, Chiapas, MexicoMedieval

635

Maya Prince Born

Palenque's future great king enters the world

In the ancient Maya city of Palenque, deep in the jungles of what is now Chiapas, Mexico, K'inich Kan Bahlam II was born. He would grow to become one of the greatest rulers of this magnificent city-state, ascending to the throne in 684 AD following the death of his legendary father, K'inich Janaab Pakal. Under his rule, Palenque reached new heights of artistic and architectural achievement, leaving behind temples and sculptures that still awe visitors today.

635 AD

Carney Wins Medal of Honor — A hero from 1863 finally gets his due

Washington, D.C., United StatesEarly 20th Century

1900

Carney Wins Medal of Honor

A hero from 1863 finally gets his due

Thirty-seven years after the guns fell silent, Sergeant William Harvey Carney was awarded the Medal of Honor for his extraordinary heroism during the Assault on Battery Wagner in 1863. A member of the all-Black 54th Massachusetts Infantry, Carney had seized the American flag when the color bearer fell and carried it through withering Confederate fire, sustaining multiple wounds but never letting the banner touch the ground. His was one of the first Medals of Honor awarded to an African American soldier.

1900 AD

Early 20th Century

1905

Abdul Hamid II

Abdul Hamid II, Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, publicly announces the creation of the Ullah millet for the Aromanians.

Abdul Hamid II, Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, publicly announces the creation of the Ullah millet for the Aromanians of the empire, which had been established one day earlier. For this reason, the Aromanian National Day is usually celebrated on May 23, although some do so on May 22 instead.

1905 AD