On 20 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 · 9 world events on 20 March
Birthdays
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Publius Ovidius Naso
20 March 43 BC – c. 17 (~60)
Born 20 March 43 BC — would have been 2,069 in 2026
Death anniversaries
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Charles Bertram Johnson
5 October 1880 – 20 March 1958 (~78)
Died 20 March 1958 — 68 years ago on this date
World events on this day
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Dutch East India Company Founded
Founded in 1602, the Dutch East India Company became a powerful joint-stock company with state-backed trading privileges, playing a central role in global trade during the Age of Exploration. It was instrumental in the trade of spices, textiles, porcelain, and other luxury goods, establishing a vast network of commerce that extended across Asia and Europe. The company's influence not only shaped the economy of the Netherlands but also had lasting effects on colonialism and international trade.
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Uncle Tom's Cabin Published
Harriet Beecher Stowe's novel 'Uncle Tom's Cabin' was published in book form in Boston, Massachusetts, after being serialized in the National Era, an antislavery paper in Washington, D.C. The novel dramatized the horrors of slavery and became an international sensation, selling over 300,000 copies in its first year. It galvanized abolitionist sentiment in the North and provoked outrage in the South, where it was banned and denounced as propaganda.
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Michel Foucault Publishes 'The Order of Things'
In 1966, Michel Foucault published 'The Order of Things,' a critical examination of the human sciences and the historical construction of knowledge. Foucault argued that the modern concept of 'Man' as a knowing subject emerged only in the 19th century, shaped by specific cultural and intellectual contexts. His work has influenced a wide range of disciplines, including philosophy, sociology, and cultural studies, prompting scholars to reconsider the foundations of knowledge and power.
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The Rise of Stock Trading in Amsterdam
The rise of stock trading in Amsterdam began in 1602 with the establishment of the Amsterdam Stock Exchange, which developed alongside the Dutch East India Company (VOC). This exchange created a market for shares and speculative investments, marking a milestone in the evolution of modern financial capitalism. The innovations in trading practices and financial instruments that emerged in Amsterdam laid the groundwork for contemporary stock markets worldwide.
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The Great Earthquake of Mendoza
The Great Earthquake of Mendoza in 1861 was a catastrophic event that completely destroyed the Argentine city, resulting in significant loss of life and property. The earthquake, which struck on March 20, caused widespread devastation and led to a major rebuilding effort in the aftermath. This disaster highlighted the vulnerability of urban centers to natural disasters and prompted discussions on urban planning and disaster preparedness.
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Birth of Napoleon II
In 1811, Marie Louise, Empress of the French, gave birth to Napoleon Bonaparte's son, Napoleon II, titled King of Rome. The heir symbolized dynastic ambitions. His brief life reflected the turbulence of the Napoleonic era.
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Birth of First Child
William Thom and Jane welcomed their first child, a daughter named Mary, on March 20, 1834, in Aberdeen. This event added new dimensions to Thom's life and work.
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Invention of the Zipper for Clothing Fastening
In 1913, Gideon Sundback perfected the modern zipper, a significant advancement in clothing fastening technology. This invention revolutionized garment closures, providing a more efficient and reliable alternative to buttons and hooks. The zipper quickly became a staple in fashion and textile industries, influencing design and functionality in clothing and accessories.
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The 1966 Lake Edward Earthquake
On March 20, 1966 CE, a powerful earthquake, estimated at magnitude 6.9, struck the Lake Edward region on the border of Congo and Uganda. This was the most destructive earthquake in recent African history at the time, with damage centered about the town of Bundibugyo. The earthquake caused significant damage and loss of life.