First Roman emperor. Born Octavian, he was the nephew and heir of Julius Caesar. He became ruler of the Roman world after defeating his rival, Mark Anthony, and was given the title Augustus (‘Exalted’) by the Senate. His reign was a golden period for the Roman Empire in architecture and literature.
On This Day
1388 – Although outnumbered 16 to 1, forces of the Old Swiss Confederacy are victorious over the Archduchy of Austria in the Battle of Näfels.
1682 – Robert Cavelier de La Salle discovers the mouth of the Mississippi River, claims it for France and names it after his sovereign, Louis XIV, Louisiana.
1937 – The Kamikaze arrives lands in London, the first Japanese aircraft to fly to Europe. In World War Two, Kamikaze will not be associated with a pleasant flight.
More at: History
HistoryWow’s Quick Shot Videos
A short, sharp hit of history in video format. Acclaimed Irish playwright and novelist Oscar Wilde was the toast of London society in the 1890s until things came decidedly unstuck through an association with a young British aristocrat, Lord Alfred Douglas, known as ‘Bosie’.
The source for this HistoryWow video is: Oscar and Bosie - A Fatal Passion by Trevor Fisher; General Historical Texts.
More Quick Shot Videos on HistoryWow's YouTube Channel: 
Who Am I?
- I reorganized the Persian Empire and consolidated its frontiers.
- In 515 BCE I crossed the Bosphorus and led an army against the Scythians.
- The revolt of the Greek cities of Asia Minor caused me to undertake the first Persian invasion of Greece in 490.
- In this conflict, the Persians were defeated at Marathon.
- I succeeded Cambyses.
Last week’s answer:
Francisco Goya (1746-1828)
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HistoryWow’s Highlighted Historical Quotation
“If a cat gets hold of a German irregular verb – goodbye cat”.
American humorist and author Mark Twain. Twain became rich from his writing and lecturing but lost a fortune on business ventures. To pay off his considerable debts he went on a world lecturing tour which was enormously successful. His visit to Germany elicited many humorous observations.Source: Mark Twain by Ken Burns
More at: History
HistoryWow’s Featured Historical Figure of Note
Nicholas Sebastien Roch (1741-1794)French intellectual and man of letters, famed for his witty conversations, which made him welcome at the French Court and the Jacobin Club alike. During the Reign of Terror he committed suicide. The gems of his wit are recorded in his uncompleted Maximes et Pensees.
More at: History
