OTD:

In 480 BC, King Leonidas and 300 Spartans made a legendary stand against a vastly larger Persian army at the Battle of Thermopylae.

In 1492, Rodrigo de Borja became Pope Alexander VI, whose papacy was marked by corruption, nepotism, and scandal.

In 1858, Queen Victoria sent the first transatlantic telegraph message to President James Buchanan, revolutionizing global communication.

In 1929, Babe Ruth became the first baseball player to hit 500 home runs, solidifying his status as a baseball legend.

In 1960, Chad gained independence from France, marking the beginning of self-governance amid political instability.

In 1965, the Watts Riots erupted in Los Angeles, exposing deep racial tensions and resulting in significant casualties and damage.

In 1994, the longest MLB strike began, leading to the cancellation of the season and World Series, causing widespread disappointment.

In 1999, a widely observed total solar eclipse captivated millions across Europe, the Middle East, and India.

In 2003, NATO took command of ISAF in Afghanistan, marking its first major mission outside Europe to stabilize the nation post-Taliban.

In 2014, actor Robin Williams tragically took his own life, prompting global discussions on mental health and depression.