French historian and soldier. He fought bravely in the First World War, being admitted to the Legion d’Honneur, and in the interwar period published a range of pioneering historical works. At the outset of the Second World War he joined the Resistance, and was later tortured and killed by the Nazis.
On This Day
1139 – King Roger II of Sicily is excommunicated.
1730 – Shearith Israel, New York City’s first synagogue is dedicated.
1820 – The famed Venus de Milo statue is discovered on the Aegean island of Milos.
1918 – During World War I actors Douglas Fairbanks and Charlie Chaplin sell war bonds in New York City’s financial district.
1924 – Sharia courts are abolished in Turkey, as part of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk’s reforms.
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)
More at: History
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
