Today in history July 15

  1. 1099 – First Crusade: Christian forces take Jerusalem
    On July 15, 1099, during the First Crusade, Christian forces successfully captured Jerusalem from Muslim control. This event marked a significant turning point in the Crusades, as Jerusalem was considered a holy city by Christians, Jews, and Muslims alike. The siege of Jerusalem had lasted for several weeks, and the Christian knights faced fierce resistance from the Muslim defenders. The capture of the city led to the establishment of the Kingdom of Jerusalem, a Crusader state. The event had lasting religious and political implications, fueling further conflicts between Christian and Muslim powers in the region.
  2. 1799 – Discovery of the Rosetta Stone
    On this day in 1799, the Rosetta Stone was discovered by French soldiers near the town of Rosetta (Rashid) in Egypt. The stone featured a decree issued in 196 BCE written in three scripts: Greek, Demotic, and Egyptian hieroglyphs. This discovery was crucial because it provided the key to deciphering Egyptian hieroglyphs, which had been a mystery for centuries. Scholars, including Jean-François Champollion, used the Rosetta Stone to unlock the language and better understand ancient Egyptian civilization. The Rosetta Stone remains one of the most famous archaeological artifacts in history.
  3. 1815 – Napoleon escapes from Elba
    On July 15, 1815, Napoleon Bonaparte escaped from his exile on the island of Elba and began his return to power in France. His escape marked the beginning of the Hundred Days, a period during which he reclaimed control of France before being ultimately defeated at the Battle of Waterloo. Napoleon’s return sparked both excitement and fear among European powers, who had hoped to keep him confined to Elba. His brief resurgence ended with his final defeat and exile to the remote island of Saint Helena. This event reshaped European politics and marked the end of the Napoleonic Wars.
  4. 1918 – Second Battle of the Marne begins
    The Second Battle of the Marne began on July 15, 1918, during World War I. This battle was a major Allied offensive against the German forces in France, marking the last significant German offensive on the Western Front. The Allies, including French, American, and British troops, successfully halted the German advance and launched a counterattack. This battle was a turning point in the war, leading to the eventual retreat of German forces. The victory boosted Allied morale and set the stage for the final Allied offensives that would end the war in November 1918.
  5. 1974 – Philippe Petit’s high-wire walk between the Twin Towers
    On July 15, 1974, French high-wire artist Philippe Petit performed a daring and illegal high-wire walk between the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City. Petit’s walk took place at a height of about 1,350 feet and lasted approximately 45 minutes. He crossed the wire multiple times, performing stunts and balancing feats that captivated onlookers and later audiences worldwide through photographs and films. This event became one of the most iconic performances in the history of street art and daring feats. Petit’s walk highlighted human courage, creativity, and the spirit of adventure.
  6. 1794 – Robespierre arrested during the French Revolution
    On July 15, 1794, Maximilien Robespierre was arrested during the French Revolution, signaling the beginning of the end of the Reign of Terror. Robespierre had been a leading figure in the radical Jacobin government and was responsible for many executions during the Terror. His fall was prompted by growing opposition within the revolutionary government and fears that he would turn against his political rivals. Following his arrest, Robespierre was executed by guillotine just two days later, ending one of the most violent phases of the revolution. This event paved the way for more moderate leadership in France.
  7. 1916 – Battle of the Somme ends
    The Battle of the Somme, one of the bloodiest battles of World War I, came to an end on July 15, 1916. This battle had begun in July with the aim of breaking through German lines in northern France. Over the course of several months, both sides suffered heavy casualties, with over one million men wounded or killed. The battle is remembered for its brutal trench warfare and the introduction of new military technology such as tanks. Although the Allies made some territorial gains, the battle demonstrated the horrific cost of war and the stalemate on the Western Front.
  8. 1975 – Apollo-Soyuz Test Project launch
    On July 15, 1975, the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project was launched, marking the first international human spaceflight mission. This mission involved the docking of an American Apollo spacecraft with a Soviet Soyuz capsule in orbit. The event symbolized a thaw in Cold War tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union and demonstrated the potential for scientific cooperation despite political differences. The astronauts and cosmonauts conducted joint experiments and exchanged gifts during their historic meeting. The Apollo-Soyuz mission paved the way for future international collaborations in space exploration.
  9. 1834 – Spanish Inquisition officially abolished
    On July 15, 1834, the Spanish Inquisition was officially abolished by Queen Isabella II of Spain. The Inquisition had been established in the late 15th century to maintain Catholic orthodoxy and had become notorious for its persecution of Jews, Muslims, and other groups. Its abolition marked the end of centuries of religious intolerance and repression in Spain. The move was part of broader liberal reforms aimed at modernizing the country and reducing the power of the Church. The end of the Inquisition allowed for greater religious freedom and contributed to the development of a more secular Spanish state.
  10. 1926 – The first flight of the Junkers Ju 52
    The Junkers Ju 52, a German transport aircraft, made its first flight on July 15, 1926. The Ju 52 became one of the most iconic aircraft of the interwar period and was widely used by both civilian airlines and military forces. Known for its reliability and versatility, the Ju 52 was used for passenger transport, cargo, and paratrooper drops during World War II. Its distinctive corrugated metal skin and tri-motor design made it easily recognizable. The aircraft remained in service for many decades and played a key role in the development of aviation.

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