Today in History, May 11

On this day, May 11, a new capital of Roman Empire was inaugurated. This day in history also witnessed the rise of India in nuclear capability, it is also the day when a machine beat a human in chess. Let us explore the events that took place today in history below.

330: Constantinople Becomes the New Roman Capital 

On this day, Constantinople officially became the capital of Roman empire, which was the earlier known as Byzantium. Roman empire Constantine named it as Nova Roma or New Rome, and later it came to be known as Constantinople, or the city of Constantine. Today this city is known as Istanbul.

1812: The Only Assassination of a British Prime Minister

Spencer Perceval became the only prime minister of the United Kingdom to be assassinated. He was shot by a merchant named John Bellingham in London who held the Government of UK responsible for his financial loss. He was caught and later hanged seven days later. This incident remains one of rarest events of outrage in history.

1857: Indian Soldiers Reach Delhi During the Rebellion

Indian soldier who initiated the Sepoy mutiny in 1857, marched to Delhi to ask the last Mughal ruler Bahadur Shah Zafar to be their leader. This was known as the start of the First War of Independence.

1858: Minnesota Becomes the 32nd U.S. State

Minnesota became the 32nd state to join the United States on this day. It was known as the "Land of 10,000 Lakes." 

Did You Know?

On May 11, 1928, a radio station WGY, in Schenectady, New York began America’s first regularly scheduled television program broadcasts. The program lasted for half an hour between 1:30 to 2:00 P.M. on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. 

1949: Israel Joins the United Nations

On this day, Israel became the 59th member state of the United Nations. Israel was voted for inclusion in the United Nations, this was remarkable as Israel had attained independence a year ago.

1960: Mossad Agents Capture Adolf Eichmann

Adolf Eichmann, a high ranking Nazi Leader was captured by Mossad agents in Argentina. He was taken to Israel to stand a trial for the crimes committed against people during World War II.

1981: Reggae Legend Bob Marley Passes Away

Bob Marley, the famous reggae legend passed away in Miami at the age of 36 after suffering from a rare form of cancer known as acral lentiginous melanoma. He was one of the best selling artists of the world, and remains popular even today for his songs.

1997: Deep Blue Defeats Garry Kasparov at Chess

Grand Master Gary Kasparov was beaten at chess by an IBM computer called Deep Blue. This was the first time machine excelled at beating a human. It was considered a defining moment for the field of computer science.

1998: India Conducts Nuclear Tests at Pokhran

On this day, India carried out three secret nuclear tests in the Pokhran desert located in Rajasthan, this project was the missile man of India and the former president of India Dr. A.P.J Abdul Kalam. This day demonstrated the readiness of India in nuclear warfare, and is celebrated as National Technology Day.

2010: David Cameron Becomes UK Prime Minister

David Cameron became the new Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. Cameron’s main task was to revive the economy after the 2008 financial crisis led to a recession in the UK. He served as the leader for 6 years, till the time the UK left the European Union. His term in office was also witness to the introduction of many modern British Laws such as Health and Social Care Act 2012, Marriage Act 2013, and Fixed-term Parliaments Act 2011. 

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