This Day in History: September 13

509 BC The dedication of Jupiter’s Temple on Capitoline Hill in Rome

The iconic temple of Jupiter was finally completed and dedicated on the ides of September. The temple would soon become a central hub for religious activities within the bustling city of Rome.

335 Consecration of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem

In the spiritual heart of Jerusalem, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre was finally consecrated. This sacred location would in the ensuing years become a primary pilgrimage destination for Christians worldwide.

1224 Francis of Assisi’s Developing Stigmata

Francis of Assisi underwent a profound spiritual experience whilst praying on Mount Verna. Following a heavenly vision, he exhibited signs of stigmata, a phenomena deeply discussed among his contemporaries and followers.

1501 Michelangelo commences his Statue of David

In the Italian city of Florence, Michelangelo started crafting his iconic Statue of David. This masterpiece would soon become a symbol of the Renaissance’s artistic grandeur.

1782 The Grand Assault on Gibraltar

An ambitious campaign led by the French and Spanish fleets, known as the Grand Assault on Gibraltar, ended in a near-total defeat at the hands of the British. This decisive battle played out in the military’s favor, with just 83 British casualties compared to the staggering 1,473 sustained by the Franco-Spanish alliance.

1845 Michael Faraday’s Discovery of the ‘Faraday Effect’

Renowned English chemist Michael Faraday revealed a groundbreaking discovery; the ‘Faraday Effect’. This pivotal concept explores the fundamental dynamics of polarized light interacting with a magnetic field.

1847 The American-Mexican war sees Mexico City fall to US General Winfield Scott

As the American-Mexican war continued, the significant capture of Mexico City was seen, led by US General Winfield Scott. This gave a strategic advantage to the US forces and a morale boost to its citizens.

1974 The Kidnapping of the French Ambassador in The Hague

The French Embassy in The Hague was stormed by three members of the Japanese Red Army (JRA). These militants held ten hostages, including the French Ambassador, whose release was secured only after the militants’ demands were met.

1933 The First Woman is Elected to New Zealand Parliament

In a historic moment, Elizabeth McCombs won the by-elections for the parliamentary seat of Lyttelton, becoming the first woman to hold this position in New Zealand Parliament. Her husband previously held this role before his passing in August 1933.

1899 The First Recorded Autmobile Fatality in the US

In a tragic incident that highlighted the growing risks of the industrial revolution, Henry H. Bliss became the first recorded victim of an automobile fatality while crossing a street in New York City. Bliss’s passing sent shockwaves throughout the country and raised serious questions about road safety and motor vehicle regulation.

1759 The Battle of Quebec’s pivotal role in the Seven Year’s War

Known as the Battle of the Plains of Abraham due to its location, this crucial conflict saw the British under General James Wolfe overcome the French forces. This victory led to the entire region of present-day Canada, and most of North America, falling under British influence.

1993 Public introduction and signing of the Oslo Accords

A significant step towards peace in the historically volatile region, the Oslo Accords were unveiled to the public in 1993. This peace agreement was initiated by Norway, and signed by Israeli Minister of Foreign Affairs Shimon Peres and PLO official Mahmoud Abbas. It created the foundation for the Palestinian National Authority and initiated the withdrawal of Israeli Defence Forces from the West Bank and Gaza Strip.