On This Day - October 23rd
So, it’s a week till Halloween in the West, and that’s all many of us can focus on at the moment! However, there’s still plenty of time to learn about the days leading up to the end of October, whether or not you are already celebrating a big day. Before the trick-or-treaters reach your door, here are some fascinating facts you should know about October 23rd.
On this day
Brutus’ army was defeated.
In 42 BC, the Roman Republican civil wars were at large, and on this day, during the Second Battle of Philippi, Brutus’ army was officially defeated by Marc Anthony and Octavian. This partly led to Brutus committing suicide.
Italy found a new way to get reconnaissance.
In 1911, an Italian pilot flew over Turkish lines during the Italo-Turkish War. This was the first-ever aerial reconnaissance mission.
Dr. Anna Shaw and Carrie Chapman Catt led a movement.
In 1915, about 25,000 supporters in a women's suffrage march on Fifth Ave in New York were led by Carrie Chapman Catt and Dr. Anna Shaw. Chapman Catt was also known as the founder of the League of Women Voters.
An air tragedy struck the US.
On this day in 1942, an American Airlines DC-3 airliner was struck by a US Army Air Forces bomber in California – this led to all crew and passengers on board tragically losing their lives. Composer Ralph Rainger was among the victims.
Carl Cori and Gerty Cori made history with their Nobel Prize.
In 1947, Carl and Gerty Cori became the first married people ever to be awarded joint Nobel Prizes – for Physiology or Medicine, as they’d discovered glycogen’s catalytic conversion course. They won alongside Bernardo Alberto Houssay.
Special Days Falling on October 23rd
As surprising as it may be, October 23rd is one of the most interesting dates of the year every year for people all over the world. Here are some of the reasons why.
Hungarian Republic Day
Every October 23rd is Hungarian Republic Day. The day is actually dedicated to two important events from Hungary’s history, including the day the people of Hungary stood against the Soviet Union and the actual creation of the modern territory in 1989. Today is also the day the people of Hungary celebrate the first free parliamentary election that made their nation a free republic. All in all, there’s a lot for Hungary to celebrate today!
Libya Liberation Day
October 23rd is just as important for the people of Libya as it is their Liberation Day! The day commemorates the moment their once-autocratic leader, Muammar Gaddafi, was deposed during the civil war. Essentially, the day marks the end of oppression in the country and the beginning of a new era!
National Mole Day
No, not the snuffling digging creature – the molecular measurement! Every year, on October 23rd, around the world, from between 6:02 AM and 6:02 PM, it's National Mole Day. Why? Simply because of a basic chemistry algorithm. The day commemorates Avogadro's Number, brings awareness, and creates interest in Chemistry! Certain schools around the world partake in the day by having fun chemistry-themed activities.
Like our content? Like us on Facebook and never miss out!
This page was last modified on October 21, 2023. Suggest an edit
This month in history
In 1915, the very first transatlantic radio voice message was issued by the American Telephone and Telegraph Company. The message went from Virginia to Paris – and to think that around a century later, we'd be texting and DM’ing each other across the miles in seconds!
Famous Birthdays on October 23rd
If you were born on October 23rd…
…you’re a Scorpio! Scorpios can be secretive and intense, but they are amazingly passionate and loyal with the people who matter the most to them. Scorpios are generally great at working with problems and numbers, and while they can get obsessive with some details, they’re ambitious all the same.
If you’re a Scorpio and you’re new to the idea of star signs, take a look over at our Scorpio facts page for more insight into your horoscopes.
