This Day That Year

September 11

in History

Rome's Greatest Defeat — The Rhine becomes civilization's boundary
Teutoburg Forest, Germania (modern Germany)Classical
9

Rome's Greatest Defeat

The Rhine becomes civilization's boundary

The Battle of the Teutoburg Forest concluded after three days of carnage that destroyed three Roman legions. It was the greatest military defeat in Roman history. The catastrophe permanently halted Roman expansion east of the Rhine, establishing the river as the frontier between empire and Germanic peoples for four hundred years, a boundary that shaped Europe's cultural geography.

9 AD
Milwaukee Mile Opens — The world's oldest speedway roars to life
West Allis, Wisconsin, USAEarly 20th Century
1903

Milwaukee Mile Opens

The world's oldest speedway roars to life

The first race was held at the Milwaukee Mile in West Allis, Wisconsin, launching what would become the oldest operating motor speedway in the world. Originally a dirt track at the Wisconsin State Fair Park, the one-mile oval would host generations of racing legends across more than a century of motorsport, testifying to America's love affair with speed.

1903 AD
People's Liberation Army — China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) launched an attack on Indian posts at Nathu La, Sikkim, India, which resulted in military clashes.
Late 20th Century
1967

People's Liberation Army

China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) launched an attack on Indian posts at Nathu La, Sikkim, India, which resulted in military clashes.

China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) launched an attack on Indian posts at Nathu La, Sikkim, India, which resulted in military clashes.

1967 AD