On 15 March in poetry and history
Poets born or who died on this date, plus historical events that happened on this day across history.
610 poets with calendar dates · 6,535 events with calendar dates in the catalogue
1 birthday · 2 death anniversaries · 14 world events on 15 March
Birthdays
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Lionel Johnson
15 March 1867 – 4 October 1902 (~35)
Born 15 March 1867 — would have been 159 in 2026
Death anniversaries
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Howard Phillips Lovecraft
20 August 1890 – 15 March 1937 (~47)
Died 15 March 1937 — 89 years ago on this date
World events on this day
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Julius Caesar's Uncanny Assassination at the Base of Pompey's Statue
When a conspiracy of Roman senators stabbed Julius Caesar to death in Rome, Italy, his bleeding body collapsed in a twist of poetic irony directly at the base of a massive statue of Pompey the Great. Pompey had been Caesar's greatest political and military rival, whom Caesar had defeated in a brutal civil war years prior. The fact that Caesar took his final breaths bleeding out onto the pedestal of his dead rival's image struck eyewitnesses as an eerie, almost supernatural manifestation of cosmic justice.
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Establishment of the Index Librorum Prohibitorum
In 1559, Pope Paul IV issued the first papal Index Librorum Prohibitorum, a list of forbidden books aimed at countering the spread of Protestantism and heretical ideas. This action reflected the Catholic Church's efforts to maintain doctrinal control during the Reformation. The Index not only influenced religious thought but also had lasting effects on literature and intellectual freedom, as it restricted access to various works deemed dangerous.
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Robert Hooke Discovers Cells
In 1665, English scientist Robert Hooke made a groundbreaking discovery when he observed cork under a microscope and coined the term 'cell.' This observation revealed the fundamental unit of life, laying the groundwork for the field of cell biology. Hooke's work not only advanced scientific understanding but also inspired future generations of scientists to explore the microscopic world, ultimately leading to significant advancements in biology and medicine.
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Goldsmith publishes The Vicar of Wakefield
In 1766, Oliver Goldsmith published The Vicar of Wakefield. The novel presented domestic virtue, misfortune and comic sentiment through the story of Dr Primrose and his family. It became one of the most beloved works of eighteenth-century fiction.
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Martyrdom of Hypatia of Alexandria
Hypatia of Alexandria, a Neoplatonist philosopher, was murdered by a Christian mob in 415 AD amid rising religious tensions in Alexandria. Her death marked a tragic turning point in the history of philosophy and science, symbolizing the conflict between pagan and Christian ideologies. Hypatia's legacy as a scholar and advocate for rational thought continues to inspire discussions on the role of women in science and philosophy.
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Ulugh Beg's Samarkand Observatory
In 1420, Ulugh Beg, a Timurid ruler, constructed a major observatory in Samarkand, equipped with a giant sextant for astronomical observations. This observatory became a center for scientific research and education, attracting scholars from various regions. Ulugh Beg's commitment to astronomy and mathematics significantly advanced the understanding of celestial bodies during the Islamic Golden Age.
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Founding of the Sierra Leone Colony for Freed Slaves
In 1787, the British established the Sierra Leone Colony for Freed Slaves, marking a significant moment in the history of colonialism and the transatlantic slave trade. This settlement aimed to provide a new start for freed slaves from Britain and America, reflecting the growing abolitionist sentiment of the time. The colony became a symbol of hope and a complex legacy of freedom, resettlement, and cultural exchange in West Africa.
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Opening of Selfridges Department Store in London
The opening of Selfridges Department Store in London in 1909, founded by American entrepreneur Harry Gordon Selfridge, transformed the shopping experience. This innovative store redefined retail by emphasizing customer experience, leisure, and the pleasure of shopping rather than merely a transactional activity. Selfridges became a model for modern department stores, influencing consumer culture and retail practices worldwide.
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Renault FT Light Tank with Rotating Turret
The Renault FT, introduced in 1917, was the first tank to feature a fully rotating turret, revolutionizing armored warfare. This innovative design allowed for greater maneuverability and effectiveness on the battlefield, influencing future tank development. The Renault FT's success in World War I set the standard for modern armored vehicles and marked a significant advancement in military technology.
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AlphaGo Defeats World Champion
DeepMind's AlphaGo artificial intelligence defeated world Go champion Lee Sedol in Seoul, South Korea, winning four of five games in the historic match. Go's complexity, with more possible board positions than atoms in the universe, had been considered too nuanced for computers, making AlphaGo's victory surprising even to AI researchers. The system used deep neural networks and Monte Carlo tree search, demonstrating machine learning's capacity for strategic intuition previously thought uniquely human and raising questions about creativity and intelligence's nature.
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Publication of 'The Idler'
Samuel Johnson began publishing 'The Idler,' a series of essays that explored various topics, including morality, society, and human nature. These essays were published in the London weekly and showcased Johnson's wit and philosophical insights. The work contributed to his reputation as a leading literary figure and influenced the essay genre in English literature.
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Birth of his first child, George Frederick Tennyson
Frederick Tennyson welcomed his first child, George Frederick Tennyson, on March 15, 1841. This event marked a significant personal milestone, further shaping his identity as a father and influencing his poetic themes.
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Escalator Invention
In 1892, Jesse Reno patented the first moving staircase, which he called the 'endless conveyor belt.' This invention marked a significant advancement in transportation technology, providing a new way for people to ascend and descend in public spaces. The escalator would later revolutionize architecture and urban design, becoming a staple in department stores, airports, and subway stations. Its introduction facilitated greater accessibility and efficiency in bustling urban environments.
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Wilfred Owen's Baptism at Holy Trinity Church
Wilfred Owen is baptised at Holy Trinity Church in Oswestry, Shropshire, shortly after his birth at Plas Wilmot, the home of his maternal grandfather. The ceremony formally welcomes him into the Anglican faith, which would profoundly influence his early poetry.