On this day in 1260, Kublai Khan, grandson to Genghis Khan, becomes the ruler of the Mongol Empire. The Mongol Empire stretched from the Pacific Ocean to the Urals, and from Siberia to Afghanistan (1/5 of the world). He became the founder of the Yuan Dynasty in China, which included modern day Mongolia and China. By doing so he became the Emperor of China. He would rule until 1294.
On this day in 1804, in Castle Hill, Irishconvicts revolted against British colonial rule in New South Wales. The revolt would continue for ten days, with many people killed. The rebels were led by Phillip Cunningham, a veteran of the Irish Rebellion of 1798 which resulted in the Battle of Vinegar Hill. On the 6th March, Cunningham was appointed the first sovereign of Australia by the rebels, a position which would soon be lost and his life ended with his hanging.
On this day in 1924, the small Free State of Fiume was annexed by the Kingdom of Italy. This small free state was independent between 1920 and 1924. The city of Fiume is now known as Rijeka and belongs to Croatia.
From 1719 it gained autonomy from the emperor Charles VI, having been part of the Holy Roman Empire. It became part of the Kingdom of Hungary in 1776, though it remained largely autonomous until its independence in 1920. There was a period between 1848 and 1868 when its autonomy was lost to Croatian rule.
With the end of World War II, Fiume became part of Yugoslavia and then with the break up of Yugoslavia, Croatia.
Roman Emperor Gaius Julius Caesar Augustus Germanicus (Caligula) Assassinated
On this day in 41 AD, Roman EmperorCaligua was assassinated after almost 4 years as emperor (37 AD to 41 AD). The assassination conspiracy involved members of the Praetorian Guard and the Roman Senate. He was succeeded by Claudius as emperor.
Caligula was born on the 31st August 12 AD. His reign as emperor is remembered for the final two years of his rule, years that were marked with great cruelty.
For a treatment on the life of Caligula, download the book ‘The Lives of the Twelve Caesars,’ by Seutonius. This book contains a chapter on Caligula.
History for Today 