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399 BCE
Socrates
The Greek philosopher Socrates, was critical of Athenian government and was sentenced to death by suicide for "corrupting the youth of Athens". -
211 BCE
Great Wall of China
Built as a defense against nomadic invaders from the Eurasian steppes, the Great Wall of China has served many purposes, including as a collection point for duties on goods transported via the Silk Road. -
69 BCE
Cleopatra
Cleopatra, known for her intelligence and aptitude for leadership, was the last ruler of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt. Her relationship with Roman politician, Mark Anthony, was the inspiration for Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. -
64 BCE
Great Fire of Rome
The Roman emperor Nero, was rumored to have started the Great Fire of Rome that devastated the city for six days in order to make room for his planned palatial complex. However, he accused the city's Christian community, leading to increase persecutions against Christians within the Empire. -
Dec 22, 609
Koran
The Koran, the Muslim holy book, was orally revealed to the prophet, Muhammad, from God, over the course of 23 years. The first Islamic places of worship, mosques, were built in Arabia during Muhammad's lifetime. -
1215
King John
King John, the only "King John" in England history, was noted throughout his rule for his terrible leadership. He was forced to relinquish some of his power when his barons demanded he sign a document, Magna Carta, that would lend to more balanced power structure between the monarchy and nobility -
1337
Mansa Musa
Mansa Musa, a sultan of the Mali Empire, is considered one of the wealthiest historical figures to have lived. During his reign, it is believed that Mali was the world's largest produce of gold. -
1353
Bubonic Plague
The Black Death, a bubonic plague, was one of the worst pandemics in human history, resulting in the deaths of an estimated 30-60% of Europe's population. It took around 200 years for the global population to recover. -
1472
Pachacui
Pachacuti, the emperor of the Kingdom of Cusco, which he transformed into the Inca Empire, commissioned the famous site, Machu Piccchu, as his estate. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. -
Hammarabi
Hammarabi was a king of the First Babylonian dynasty, seen as a god during his life. He is best known for his law code, some of which survives today, that issued severe punishment in he "eye-for-an-eye" style,