On This Day - October 19th
While you may be dealing with your normal daily routine today, for many people around the world, October 19th is of the highest importance. Here are some of the reasons why – and if you're already celebrating, consider these little tidbits of knowledge an extra gift to you this October 19th!
On this day
The Battle of Zama took place.
In 202 BC, the Battle of Zama took place – and it's during this battle where Hannibal Barca and the Carthaginian Army were defeated by Scipio Africanus. The conflict therefore ended the Second Punic War – a fascinating period of history well worth reading more about.
King John died.
In 1216, King John of England died at Newark-on-Trent. He was then succeeded by his nine-year-old son, Henry III. John famously signed the Magna Carta, a list of freedoms granted to the English people.
San Felipe was shipwrecked.
In 1596, the Spanish galleon San Felipe was shipwrecked in Shikoku. This incident led to the crucifixion of 26 Christians. They became known as the Twenty-Six Martyrs of Japan.
The US Revolutionary War came to an end.
In 1781, General Charles Cornwallis and the British forces agreed to sign the terms of surrender to George Washington and Comte de Rochambeau at Yorktown at 2 p.m. Thus ended the United States Revolutionary War!
Life began earlier than we thought.
In 2015, scientists from the University of California found evidence that life on Earth may have begun 4.1 billion years ago. This groundbreaking revelation showed that life may have begun 300 million years earlier than we thought!
Special Days Falling on October 19th
As important as it is to remember today's history, we think it's just as important to focus on the now. Hence, some of the most important events taking place around the world today!
World Humanitarian Action Day
Every October 19th is World Humanitarian Action Day. Today is dedicated to humanitarians around the world, past and present, who work tirelessly to help others. Be it in their own communities or those abroad, humanitarians set an example for what we could all be and what perhaps we should all do to make this world all it can be.
World Pediatric Bone and Joint Day
On World Pediatric Bone and Joint Day, we encourage you to look into the diseases that affect the bones of our young and the habits we gain in childhood that can affect our bones and joints later!
LGBT Center Awareness Day
For people all around the world, being part of the LGBTQ+ community can still be very challenging. As normal as it seems to be able to love whoever and be whoever you are, there are still communities and entire countries around the world grossly opposed to these ideas. And, as such, their opposition can make it very dangerous to be a member of the LGBTQ+ community. That is why, on LGBT Center Awareness Day, which takes place every October 19th, we urge you to look for the center closest to you if you need to talk or simply feel safe.
Like our content? Like us on Facebook and never miss out!
This page was last modified on October 18, 2023. Suggest an edit
This month in history
A Hungarian uprising began. In 1956, the Hungarian uprising against Communist rule began with students and workers protesting in Budapest. Tanks were sent in by Soviet Russians to end the revolt after several days.
Famous Birthdays on October 19th
If you were born on October 19th…
…you’re a Libra! You are the very representation of justice on Earth! Justice means the world to you in every aspect of your life, and you’re not afraid to show it. If that means doing plenty of fundraising for a cause that matters to you, or helping friends settle an argument, you’re always keen to do what’s right. Just don’t let anyone get in your way if you’re feeling stubborn!
Take a closer look at some more star sign facts over at our Libra facts page.
