in History
Christianity's greatest church rises over a circus
Pope Sylvester I consecrated the old St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, built on the site of the Circus of Nero where tradition held that the apostle Peter had been martyred. Commissioned by Emperor Constantine, the basilica became Christendom's most sacred church, a pilgrimage destination for over a millennium until its replacement by the current Renaissance masterpiece.
Britain steps aside for America's canal dream
Britain and the United States signed the Hay-Pauncefote Treaty, nullifying earlier agreements that had prevented American control of a Central American canal. The treaty cleared the diplomatic path for the construction of the Panama Canal, one of the greatest engineering feats in history. Britain's graceful withdrawal acknowledged America's growing dominance in the Western Hemisphere.
The Bell Telephone Company introduces the first push-button telephone.
The Bell Telephone Company introduces the first push-button telephone.