This Day That Year

May 8

in History

Battle of Jinyang Ends — A Chinese power struggle reshapes an era
Jinyang, China (modern Taiyuan)Ancient
453

Battle of Jinyang Ends

A Chinese power struggle reshapes an era

In the waning days of China's Spring and Autumn period, the house of Zhao defeated the powerful house of Zhi at the Battle of Jinyang, ending a siege that had lasted years. The victors breached the dikes of the Jin River, flooding Zhi's encampment and destroying his army. This decisive clash between the elite families of the State of Jin paved the way for the Warring States period, one of the most transformative -- and violent -- eras in Chinese history.

453 BC
Turkey Stearnes Was Born — The Negro leagues' greatest outfielder arrives
Nashville, Tennessee, United StatesEarly 20th Century
1901

Turkey Stearnes Was Born

The Negro leagues' greatest outfielder arrives

In Nashville, Tennessee, Norman Thomas Stearnes was born -- the man who would become one of the greatest players in Negro League history. Nicknamed 'Turkey' for his distinctive running style, he patrolled center field with supernatural grace for eighteen seasons, most memorably with the Detroit Stars. His powerful bat and elegant play made him a legend in a parallel baseball universe. His belated induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2000 brought overdue recognition to a forgotten giant.

1901 AD
Tollund Man — The Tollund Man (pictured), a naturally mummified corpse, was discovered in a peat bog near Silkeborg, Denmark.
Early 20th Century
1950

Tollund Man

The Tollund Man (pictured), a naturally mummified corpse, was discovered in a peat bog near Silkeborg, Denmark.

The Tollund Man (pictured), a naturally mummified corpse, was discovered in a peat bog near Silkeborg, Denmark.

1950 AD