Discover What Happened Today in History
The Athenian army, led by Miltiades, decisively defeated a much larger Persian invasion force. This victory secured Athens and preserved Greek independence, and the legend of the messenger running to Athens gave the modern race its name.
Four teenagers discovered the now-famous prehistoric cave paintings near Montignac, France. The complex of caves contains over 600 parietal wall paintings dating back approximately 17,000 years, depicting large animals and symbols.
The Soviet Union launched Luna 2, the first human-made object to reach the Moon. The spacecraft intentionally impacted the lunar surface the next day, scattering pennants bearing the Soviet coat of arms.
Haile Selassie, the long-reigning Emperor of Ethiopia, was deposed by the Derg, a committee of military officers. This event marked the end of the Ethiopian Empire and the beginning of a communist military dictatorship.
Mae Jemison became the first African American woman to travel into space aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour (mission STS-47). She served as a mission specialist, conducting experiments in life sciences and material science.