This Day in History: June 2

455 King Gaiseric and the Vandals sack Rome - Rome looted for 14 days

In 455, King Gaiseric and the Vandals successfully sacked Rome, which lasted for two weeks. The looting caused significant damage to the city, including the destruction of many buildings and monuments. It was a crucial event that marked the decline of the Western Roman Empire.

1862 Robert E. Lee takes command of Confederate armies of North Virginia during the American Civil War

In 1862, Robert E. Lee was appointed as the commander of the Confederate armies of North Virginia during the American Civil War. Under his leadership, the Confederate army won several battles against the Union army, although they eventually lost the war.

1896 Italian engineer and inventor Guglielmo Marconi applies for the first ever patent for a system of wireless telegraphy in the United Kingdom

In 1896, Guglielmo Marconi, an Italian engineer and inventor, applied for the first-ever patent for a wireless telegraphy system in the United Kingdom. This invention paved the way for modern wireless communication technology and revolutionized the way people communicated over long distances.

1953 Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in Westminster Abbey, London, England

In 1953, Queen Elizabeth II was crowned in Westminster Abbey, London. It was the first televised major international event in history and marked a significant moment in British history. Elizabeth ascended to the throne after the death of her father, King George VI, 16 months earlier.

1967 Benno Ohnesorg is killed

In 1967, German student Benno Ohnesorg was shot and killed by a police officer during a demonstration against the state visit of the Shah of Iran. The incident sparked outrage and led to the formation of the terrorist organization "Movement 2 June". It was later ruled that the shooting was not an act of self-defense.

1979 Pope John Paul II becomes the first pontiff to visit a communist country

In 1979, Pope John Paul II visited his native country, Poland, which was then under communist rule. Millions of people lined the streets of Warsaw to see the pope, and his visit was seen as a significant moment in the struggle for religious and political freedom in Eastern Europe.

1989 10,000 Chinese soldiers are blocked by 100,000 citizens in Tiananmen Square, Beijing, protecting students demonstrating for democracy

In 1989, thousands of students in China gathered in Tiananmen Square in Beijing to demand democracy and political reform. As the protests grew, the Chinese government sent in troops to disperse the crowd. In one dramatic moment, 100,000 citizens blocked 10,000 soldiers from entering the square, protecting the students and escalating the conflict. The event became known as the Tiananmen Square massacre.

1946 Italy becomes a parliamentary republic

In 1946, Italy transitioned from a monarchy to a parliamentary republic through a referendum in which 89% of Italians participated. This marked a significant change in Italian politics and allowed for a more democratic system of government. It was also the first time that women were allowed to vote in Italy.