Major Historical Events on July 18- Today in History

History is a tapestry of significant dates and events, and July 18 is woven with many remarkable moments. This article takes you through the major historical events on July 18.

The Great Fire of Rome Begins – 64 AD

On July 18, 64 AD, a devastating fire erupted in the massive Circus Maximus stadium in Rome, the heart of the Roman Empire. The blaze raged uncontrollably for six days, ultimately engulfing 10 of Rome’s 14 districts in flames.

Almohads Triumph at the Battle of Alarcos – 1195 AD

The Almohads decisively defeated King Alfonso VIII of Castile’s forces in the Battle of Alarcos, solidifying their control in the region and marking a significant event in the Reconquista.

Birth of William Makepeace Thackeray – 1811 AD

William Makepeace Thackeray, renowned for “Vanity Fair” (1847–48) and “The History of Henry Esmond, Esq.” (1852), was born in India, later becoming one of England’s most influential novelists.

Jane Austen’s Passing – 1817 AD

Jane Austen, the celebrated author of “Sense and Sensibility” (1811) and “Pride and Prejudice” (1813), died in Winchester, Hampshire, at the age of 41, leaving a lasting literary legacy.

Ferdinand Foch’s Counterstrike – 1918 AD

French General Ferdinand Foch launched a decisive counterstrike during the Second Battle of the Marne, forcing a German retreat and marking the last major German offensive of World War I.

Nelson Mandela’s Birth – 1918 AD

Nelson Mandela, born in Mvezo, South Africa, and the first Black president of the country, played a crucial role in ending apartheid and transitioning to majority rule, earning the Nobel Peace Prize with F.W. de Klerk in 1993 for their efforts.

John Glenn’s Birth – 1921 AD

John Glenn, the pioneering astronaut who became the first American to orbit Earth with three orbits in 1962, was born, setting the stage for significant advances in U.S. space exploration.

Publication of Mein Kampf – 1925 AD

Adolf Hitler’s “Mein Kampf,” a political manifesto that became the cornerstone of Nazism, was first published in 1925, with its second volume appearing two years later, profoundly impacting Germany’s Third Reich.

Ty Cobb’s 4,000th Hit – 1927 AD

Legendary American baseball player Ty Cobb achieved his 4,000th career hit, further cementing his status as one of the greatest hitters in the history of the sport.

Capture of Saint-Lô – 1944 AD

During World War II, Allied forces captured the French town of Saint-Lô, a crucial communications hub, aiding their progress in the liberation of France from German occupation.

Nadia Comăneci’s Perfect Score – 1976 AD

Romanian gymnast Nadia Comăneci became the first to achieve a perfect score of 10 in the Olympic Games for her performance on the uneven parallel bars in Montreal, revolutionizing the sport.

Detroit’s Bankruptcy Filing – 2013 AD

Detroit filed for Chapter 9 bankruptcy protection, the largest in U.S. history, and successfully emerged from bankruptcy the following year, beginning a path to financial recovery.

Also Read: MAJOR HISTORICAL EVENTS ON JULY 17- TODAY IN HISTORY