On This Day – October 19th

While you may be dealing with your normal daily routine today, for many people around the world, October 19th is of the highest importance. Here are some of the reasons why – and if you’re already celebrating, consider these little tidbits of knowledge an extra gift to you this October 19th!

On this day

1The Battle of Zama took place.

In 202 BC, the Battle of Zama took place – and it’s during this battle where Hannibal Barca and the Carthaginian Army were defeated by Scipio Africanus. The conflict therefore ended the Second Punic War – a fascinating period of history well worth reading more about.

2King John died.

On the night of 18 to 19 October 1216, King John of England died at Newark Castle, in the middle of a civil war with his barons. He was succeeded by his nine-year-old son, Henry III. John is remembered for Magna Carta, the charter his barons forced him to agree to in 1215.

3San Felipe was shipwrecked.

In 1596, the Spanish galleon San Felipe was shipwrecked in Shikoku. This incident led to the crucifixion of 26 Christians. They became known as the Twenty-Six Martyrs of Japan.

4The British surrendered at Yorktown.

On 19 October 1781, British forces under General Charles Cornwallis surrendered to American and French troops at Yorktown, Virginia. Cornwallis claimed to be ill and sent his deputy to the ceremony. The defeat effectively ended the American Revolutionary War, which formally ended with the Treaty of Paris in 1783.

5Life began earlier than we thought.

In 2015, scientists from the University of California found evidence that life on Earth may have begun 4.1 billion years ago. This groundbreaking revelation showed that life may have begun 300 million years earlier than we thought!

Special Days Falling on October 19th

As important as it is to remember today’s history, we think it’s just as important to focus on the now. Hence, some of the most important events taking place around the world today!

Mother Teresa Day in Albania

Every 19 October, Albania marks Mother Teresa Day, a public holiday honouring the Catholic nun of Albanian descent who worked with the poor in Calcutta. She was beatified on 19 October 2003 and declared a saint in 2016.

World Pediatric Bone and Joint Day

On World Pediatric Bone and Joint Day, we encourage you to look into the diseases that affect the bones of our young and the habits we gain in childhood that can affect our bones and joints later!

LGBT Center Awareness Day

For people all around the world, being part of the LGBTQ+ community can still be very challenging. As normal as it seems to be able to love whoever and be whoever you are, there are still communities and entire countries around the world grossly opposed to these ideas. And, as such, their opposition can make it very dangerous to be a member of the LGBTQ+ community. That is why, on LGBT Center Awareness Day, which takes place every October 19th, we urge you to look for the center closest to you if you need to talk or simply feel safe.

This month in history

A Hungarian uprising began. In 1956, the Hungarian uprising against Communist rule began with students and workers protesting in Budapest. Tanks were sent in by Soviet Russians to end the revolt after several days.

Famous Birthdays on October 19th

• Thomas Browne, English philosopher, and writer, born 1605
• John le Carré, English novelist, born 1931
• John Lithgow, American actor, born 1945
• Jon Favreau, American director, born 1966
• Rebecca Ferguson, Swedish actor, born 1983

If you were born on October 19th…

…you’re a Libra! You are the very representation of justice on Earth! Justice means the world to you in every aspect of your life, and you’re not afraid to show it. If that means doing plenty of fundraising for a cause that matters to you, or helping friends settle an argument, you’re always keen to do what’s right. Just don’t let anyone get in your way if you’re feeling stubborn!

Take a closer look at some more star sign facts over at our Libra facts page.