October 13th, in History

54, emperor Claudius, Julio-Claudian dynasty, first Emperor born outside Italy, was poisoned to death, after 13 years of reign. His predecessor was Caligula, the crazy Emperor in love with the Moon. He was succeeded by Nero, the one who burnt Rome down. Claudio, though, was the healthiest, mentally-safest Emperor Rome had for years.

409, barbarian tribes (Vandals, Alans) break in Hispania. Along with Goths they will set the first known Kingdom in Spain in 415 and mingling with Iberian tribes they will create the essence of the land. 

1307, thousands of Templar Knights are seized and arrested, accused of heresy by the King of France: they were praising, observing Lucifer, the bearer of light, the Fallen Angel, as one of the true forms of God, according to old tradition. It sets the omen for Friday 13th, Tuesday 13th in Europe. 

1582, due to the implementation of Georgian Calendar (the current one we all share), this day, October 13th, didn't exist in Italy, Poland, Portugal and Spain, the first countries to adopt the solemn papal bull for this new calendar. 

1773, the Whirlpool Galaxy (also known as M51a) is discovered by Charles Messier. One of the most beautiful galaxies, spiral-structured. It can be found southwest from the easternmost star in Big Dipper. Recent studies suggest there might be a black-hole (mass, gravity eater) in the heart of this galaxy. It's almost perfect, beautiful spiral shape it's believed to be created by gravity interaction with M51b, its companion nearby.  

1792, the cornerstone of the White House is laid. Nine proposals were presented, George Washington chose the one by irish architect James Hoban. He thought it lacked majesty and suggested some changes in the facade. Hoban's inspired his work among Roman architecture and Renaissance.  

1845, Texans vote YES to have the "República de Texas" become a new state of the USA. Texas was formed as a nation after gaining independence from Mexico. The borders were defined in a trilateral sequence of treaties among USA, Mexico and Spain. It was known as one of the Provincias Internas of New Spain, the kingdom born off Aztec Empire after Conquista under Spanish administration. The Lone Star state became the 28th state to join the union. 

1885, the Georgia Tech (in ATLANTA) is founded. Renowned for its liberal arts, science, computing and engineering degrees. Founded in the city we would like to name our girl after, in the day of our wedding. 

1917, the "Miracle of the Sun", in Fatima, Portugal, is witnessed by 70.000 people. It was completely overcast and rainy day. Suddenly a few meters above the heads of some kids a cloud of smoke was formed. Then, in a huge burst, the sky cleared all at once and the sun was shinning so bright people were blinded. In all direction the sun shone, the clouds were gone. 

1967, the first American Basketball Association game ever is played (Anaheim Amigos were defeated 129-134 to the Oakland Oaks). After 10 years, the ABA would merge into NBA (founded 1946) making NBA the big league it's now. The ABA is loved and remembered by all basketball fans as a cute, free, basketball league, where anything could happen in a very fun way. 

2010, after 69 days caught underground in the Atacama desert, the 33 chilean miners are rescued and breathe fresh air again. The images spread around the world.