What is it about October 18th that makes today so remarkable? If you’re not already celebrating a birthday or an anniversary, it might seem like just another date on the calendar – but you’d be surprised at just how important this date actually is! In this guide, we’ve rounded up some of the most important and fascinating events to have taken place on October 18th.
On this day
1The Battle of Dyrrhachium took place.
In 1081, the Battle of Dyrrhachium took place. During the battle, the Byzantine army under Alexios I Komnenos was defeated by the Southern Italian Normans under Robert Guiscard.
2The Mongols took Chernihiv.
On 18 October 1239, the city of Chernihiv in what is now Ukraine fell to the Mongol army of Batu Khan, a grandson of Genghis Khan. The city was sacked, and the following year the Mongols captured Kyiv.
3An earthquake destroyed Basel.
On 18 October 1356, an earthquake struck Basel in Switzerland, followed by a fire that burned for days. It is the most significant earthquake in recorded history in central Europe north of the Alps, and it destroyed dozens of castles in the region.
4Phillis Wheatley was freed.
On 18 October 1773, the poet Phillis Wheatley, who had been kidnapped from West Africa as a child and enslaved in Boston, was freed. That year she had become the first African-American woman to publish a book of poetry, Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral.
5The US took Alaska!
In 1867, the US took formal possession of Alaska from Russia. They paid $7.2 million for the territory, which would later become a state. It actually wouldn’t become a state until 1959, when it became the 49th to ascend to such status.
Special Days Falling on October 18th
October 18th is just as much about the celebrations as it is about the history. Here are some of the biggest celebrations taking place around the world today.
Alaska Day
Every 18 October, Alaska celebrates the day in 1867 when the territory was formally handed over by Russia to the United States, in a flag-raising ceremony at Sitka. It is a state holiday, and Sitka marks it with a parade and re-enactment.
Persons Day in Canada
On 18 October 1929, Britain’s Privy Council ruled that women were legally ‘persons’ in Canada and could be appointed to the Senate. Canada marks the anniversary as Persons Day, honouring the five women known as the Famous Five who brought the case.
World Menopause Day
World Menopause Day is designed to spread awareness about the transition women everywhere have to go through. For some, it can be easier to go through than others, but whatever your experience, it’s a huge biological change. For many women, menopause can be a frightening time – which is why it’s important to reach out for resources and help today if you’re experiencing it.
This month in history
Hungary became a republic. Having spent 33 years under Soviet Russian troops, Hungary finally declared itself a republic in 1989 – and it has remained so ever since!
Famous Birthdays on October 18th
- Emperor Go-Shirakawa, emperor of Japan, born 1127
- Thomas Love Peacock, English writer, born 1785
- Jean-Claude Van Damme, Belgian actor, born 1960
- Lindsey Vonn, American skier, born 1984
- Zac Efron, American actor, born 1987
If you were born on October 18th…
…you’re a Libra! You are an intelligent, down-to-earth, loyal person. But, if one thing matters above all else to you, it is justice! Justice in the world, in your community, in your home. You’re a lover of balance and will always do what you feel is right to make sure everyone gets their fair cut of the deal. You’re a great person to have around in the event of a dispute!
Be sure to look over at our Libra facts page, too, if you’re just getting into your horoscopes.
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