This Day in History: April 6

46 BC: Julius Caesar defeats Caecilius Metellus Scipio and Marcus Porcius Cato (Cato the Younger) in the battle of Thapsus.

In 46 BC, Julius Caesar fought against Caecilius Metellus Scipio and Marcus Porcius Cato (Cato the Younger) in the battle of Thapsus. This was a significant battle during the Roman Republic era, and it marked Caesar's victory over his opponents.

1652: Cape Colony, the 1st European settlement in South Africa, established by Dutch East India Company under Jan van Riebeeck.

The Dutch East India Company established the Cape Colony, the first European settlement in South Africa, in 1652 under the leadership of Jan van Riebeeck. This marked the beginning of European colonization and the eventual displacement of the indigenous population.

1896: The first modern Olympic Games are opened in Athens.

The first modern Olympic Games were opened in Athens in 1896. This international multi-sport event was inspired by the ancient Olympic Games and aimed to promote peace and unity among nations through sports. The event featured 241 athletes from 14 countries.

1909: Robert Peary allegedly becomes the first person to reach the North Pole.

In 1909, Robert Peary claimed to have reached the North Pole, becoming the first person to do so. However, his claim has never been verified and is widely contested. The first undisputed journey to the North Pole was made by the 1948 Soviet Sever-2 expedition.

1917: The US declares war on Germany and enters World War I.

In 1917, the United States declared war on Germany and entered World War I. This decision was made after Germany resumed unrestricted submarine warfare and attempted to form an alliance with Mexico against the US.

1924: A team of aviators begins the first round-the-world flight in history.

In 1924, a team of aviators began the first round-the-world flight in history. Four aircraft left Seattle on a westbound route around the globe. 157 days later, two of them reached the same location, marking a significant achievement in aviation history.

1965: The first commercial communications satellite is launched.

The first commercial communications satellite, Intelsat I (also known as Early Bird), was launched in 1965. This satellite facilitated the first live TV broadcast of a spacecraft splashdown when Gemini 6 landed in the Atlantic Ocean, paving the way for modern telecommunications.

1994: The Rwandan genocide begins after the assassination of Rwandan President and Burundian President.

In 1994, the assassination of Rwandan President Juvénal Habyarimana and Burundian President Cyprien Ntaryamira triggered a mass slaughter of ethnic Tutsis, resulting in up to 1 million victims. This event marked one of the deadliest genocides in modern history, and those responsible for the attack have never been identified.