On This Day
1858 – Napoleon III of France escapes an assassination attempt by Italian revolutionary and leader by Felice Orsini and his accomplices in Paris.
1911 – Roald Amundsen’s South Pole expedition makes landfall on the eastern edge of the Ross Ice Shelf.
1939 – Norway claims Queen Maud Land in Antarctica.
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 was one of the most accomplished generals in Byzantine history.
- I was especially adept as a commander of heavy cavalry, well ahead of my time.
- I saved the Emperor Justinian’s life and throne in 532 by putting down an uprising in Constantinople.
- Among my conquests include the Vandal state in North Africa and the re-conquest of Italy from the Ostrogoths.
- I later successfully defended Constantinople against a sudden attack by the Huns.
Last week’s answer:
French chef August Escoffier (1847-1935)
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HistoryWow’s Highlighted Historical Quotation
‘With a heart full of love and gratitude, I now take leave of you. I most devoutly wish that your later days may be as prosperous and happy as your former ones have been glorious and honorable.’
General George Washington bidding farewell to his officers, December 4, 1783, at Fraunces Tavern in New York City.Source: A History of America by Paul Johnson; General Historical Texts
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HistoryWow’s Featured Historical Figure of Note
St. Francis of Assisi (1182-1226)Italian mystic. He founded the religious order known as the Franciscans. Renowned for his love, simplicity and practice of poverty, he is one of history’s most famous and venerated religious figures.
More at: History
