This Day That Year

May 30

in History

Jerusalem's Walls Breached — Roman legions close in on the Holy City
JerusalemClassical
70

Jerusalem's Walls Breached

Roman legions close in on the Holy City

The armies of Titus breached the Second Wall of Jerusalem, driving the Jewish defenders back to their last line of defense. Roman engineers had methodically dismantled the city's fortifications while legionaries cut down every tree within fifteen kilometers to build a circumvallation -- a wall around the wall. The siege, which would culminate in the Temple's destruction, marked the end of Jewish political sovereignty for nearly two millennia and became one of history's most consequential military campaigns.

70 AD
Cornelia Otis Skinner Born — A daughter of the stage claims her spotlight
Chicago, Illinois, United StatesEarly 20th Century
1901

Cornelia Otis Skinner Born

A daughter of the stage claims her spotlight

In Chicago, Cornelia Otis Skinner was born -- the daughter of famed actor Otis Skinner, she would carve her own distinguished career as both actress and author. Her one-woman shows became legendary for their wit and sophistication, while her books, including the bestselling 'Our Hearts Were Young and Gay,' charmed millions of readers. She proved that artistic talent could be inherited but had to be earned anew by each generation.

1901 AD
Auckland Harbour Bridge — The Auckland Harbour Bridge, spanning Waitematā Harbour between the Saint Marys Bay and Northcote suburbs of Auckland, New Zealand, officially opened.
Late 20th Century
1959

Auckland Harbour Bridge

The Auckland Harbour Bridge, spanning Waitematā Harbour between the Saint Marys Bay and Northcote suburbs of Auckland, New Zealand, officially opened.

The Auckland Harbour Bridge, spanning Waitematā Harbour between the Saint Marys Bay and Northcote suburbs of Auckland, New Zealand, officially opened.

1959 AD