If you’re already marking September 13th as something of a special occasion, congratulations! However, as it happens, today’s a pretty special day for tons of other reasons, too! In today’s guide, we take you through everything special worth knowing about September 13th, and even line up a few famous birthdays you might just share. Let’s dive into 9/13…
On this day
1A Roman temple was dedicated.
In 509 BC, the temple of Jupiter, situated on Rome’s Capitoline Hill, was dedicated in the ides of September. It was said to be Ancient Rome’s most important temple and the largest of its kind in the empire. It was part of the Baalbek complex and stood in what’s now known as modern-day Lebanon.
2Hadrian’s Wall’s construction began!
In 122, the construction began on Emperor Hadrian’s Wall in Northern England. History tells us it was originally used to keep Barbarians out of Roman territory. Believe it or not, sections of the wall still remain, and millions of people come from all over to see it!
3Michelangelo began sculpting an all-time great.
In 1501, Michelangelo began his work on the Statue of David. To this day, it remains one of the most famous masterpieces of Renaissance art – one that’s withstood the test of time, and one you can see at the Accademia Gallery in Florence, Italy.
4The Grand Assault on Gibraltar came to a close.
In 1782, the Grand Assault on Gibraltar, led by the Allied French and Spanish fleets, was defeated by a British garrison. The number of Allied casualties came to 1,473 people, with British casualties amounting to 83.
5Michael Faraday made an important discovery.
In 1845, English chemist Michael Faraday uncovered the Faraday effect that bears his name – essentially, he discovered how magnetic fields and polarized light work together!
Special Days Falling on September 13th
September 13th is a very important date for people all around the world! Here are some of the reasons why.
International Chocolate Day
Considered to be one of life’s true pleasures and delicacies, chocolate is consumed all over the world. This sweet treat is the perfect dessert, snack, and pick-me-up! Really, when is there a bad time for chocolate? Indulge yourself a little today and fill up on your favorite chocolate or choc-flavored treats.
Roald Dahl Day
Today, we honor one of the most famous children’s book writers of all time! Known as the man behind Matilda, James and the Giant Peach, Fantastic Mr. Fox, and many more iconic stories, many of us grew up reading Dahl’s frequently twisted tales So, dive back into some of your favorites from the past today if you can!
European Heritage Days
While it’s a plural by name, September 13th is actually a single occasion on which people all over Europe celebrate their diverse heritage and amazing history. Essentially, it’s the perfect excuse for people to learn more about how modern Europe came to be. In the US, millions of people love to dive into European history – and today’s the day to go Wikipedia-diving, to try a few continental dishes, and/or to take a trip!
This month in history
Los Angeles was founded. In 1781, Hollywood’s home city was founded by Felipe de Neve, the Spanish Governor of California. The town was originally known to citizens as El Pueblo de la Reina de Los Angeles!
Famous Birthdays on September 13th
- Laura Secord, Canadian war hero, born 1775
- Ruth McDevitt, American actor, born 1895
- Roald Dahl, Welsh author, born 1916
- Shane Warne, Australian cricket legend, born 1969
- Fiona Apple, American singer-songwriter, born 1977
If you were born on September 13th…
…you’re a Virgo! You are a very observant and attentive person. But that can also mean that sometimes you are a bit too much of a perfectionist, and you can be overly critical of others and yourself. Try and relax a bit – it’s your birthday, after all! Take solace, too, in the knowledge that people love you for your insight and your keen intellect. If you’re deeply into your star signs and horoscopes, take a look over at our Virgo facts page for more of a lowdown.
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