- On this day in 1918. Nelson Mandela, the first democratically-elected President of South Africa, is born. Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela was born in the village of Mvezo in Umtatu, then a part of South Africa’s Cape Province.
- On this day in 0064. The Great Fire of Rome began, ultimately destroying two-thirds of the city. The Great Fire of Rome broke out in the merchant district of the city, near the Circus Maximus, Rome’s huge chariot stadium. Because of the strong summer winds, the fire quickly spread. It burned for 6 days and 7 nights, then reignited and burned for another 3 days. In that time, the fire destroyed two thirds of the city, including the 800 year old Temple of Jupiter Stator and the Atrium Vestae, the hearth of the Vestal Virgins.
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Young Nelson Mandela. This photo dates from 1937. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
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