Born at Italica on September 18, 53 CE, Trajan rose from provincial aristocracy to become Roman emperor and preside over the empire at its greatest territorial extent.
Tag: September 18
Today in History – September 18
Discover September 18 in history: Arracourt, Chile’s First Government Junta, the birth of Emperor Trajan, Vanguard 3, and the first issue of The New York Times.
September 18, 1810 | Chilean Declaration of Independence – Birth of a Nation
On September 18, 1810, Chile formed its First National Government Junta in Santiago, marking the symbolic start of independence from Spain. This pivotal moment launched the Chilean War of Independence and is celebrated annually as Fiestas Patrias.
September 18, 1931 | The Mukden Incident – Japan Invades Manchuria
On September 18, 1931, Japanese officers staged the Mukden Incident by blowing up a section of railway in Manchuria. Used as a pretext to invade, it marked the start of Japan’s expansion in East Asia and a precursor to the Pacific War.
September 18 | Wag Festival in Ancient Egypt – Honoring Osiris and the Dead
On September 18, the Wag Festival was celebrated in ancient Egypt. Dedicated to Osiris and the remembrance of the dead, it featured offerings, water libations, and miniature boats symbolizing the soul’s journey to the afterlife.
September 17, 14 CE | Tiberius and Rome’s First Imperial Succession
On September 17, 14 CE, the Roman Senate confronted the first succession of the imperial age as Tiberius emerged as Augustus’s successor.
September 18, 1851 | The day the New York Times was first published
On September 18, 1851, the first issue of The New York Times was published. Founded by Henry J. Raymond and George Jones, it set new standards for accuracy and fairness, laying the foundation for one of the world’s most influential newspapers.
September 18, 1944 | The Battle of Arracourt
On September 18, 1944, the Battle of Arracourt began in Lorraine, France, where U.S. forces repelled a major German Panzer counteroffensive. Through tactical superiority, terrain use, and air power, American troops destroyed nearly 200 German tanks in a decisive World War II victory.
September 18, 1959 | Vanguard 3 – Early Space Science Satellite
On September 18, 1959, the United States launched Vanguard 3, a geophysical satellite that measured Earth’s magnetic field, radiation belts, and micrometeoroid impacts. Its mission laid foundations for modern satellite science and space weather research.