This Day in History: April 7

30: Scholars estimate for Jesus' crucifixion by Roman troops in Jerusalem

This event is considered one of the most significant moments in Christian history. It is believed that Jesus was crucified by Roman soldiers in Jerusalem on this day or April 3, based on estimates by scholars.

1724: Johann Sebastian Bach's St. John Passion is premiered

The St. John Passion is one of Bach's most celebrated works and is considered a masterpiece of Baroque music. The oratorio dramatizes the final days of Jesus Christ according to the Gospel of John and was first performed in Leipzig, Germany.

1827: The first friction match is sold

The invention of the friction match revolutionized the way people started fires. The first operable matches were produced and sold by English chemist John Walker, though they were soon banned in some countries due to safety concerns.

1948: World Health Organization formed by the United Nations

The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that focuses on global health issues. Its mission includes fighting disease and epidemics worldwide, improving health education, and building up national health services.

1954: US President Dwight D. Eisenhower in news conference is first to voice fear of a "domino-effect" of communism in Indo-China

During a news conference, US President Dwight D. Eisenhower expressed his concern about the spread of communism in Southeast Asia. He referred to the "domino theory," which held that if one country fell to communism, others in the region would follow.

1969: The Internet's symbolic birth date: publication of RFC 1

The internet has become an integral part of modern society, and its origins can be traced back to the publication of RFC 1 in 1969. This document laid out the basic principles of the network that would eventually become the world wide web.

1999: The World Trade Organization rules in favor of the United States in its long-running trade dispute with the European Union over bananas

The trade dispute between the United States and the European Union over banana imports had been ongoing for years. In 1999, the World Trade Organization (WTO) ruled in favor of the United States, allowing it to impose sanctions on European goods in retaliation for what it saw as unfair trade practices.

1990: An arson attack on the passenger ferry, Scandinavian Star, kills 159

The Scandinavian Star was a passenger ferry that was the site of a devastating arson attack in 1990. The incident, which killed 159 people, is now believed to have been motivated by insurance fraud. According to a 2013 report, 9 crew members started the fire and sabotaged the fire crew's attempts to extinguish the blaze.

529: First draft of Corpus Juris Civilis (fundamental work in jurisprudence) issued by Eastern Roman Emperor Justinian I

The Corpus Juris Civilis is a fundamental work in the field of jurisprudence. It was first drafted by the Eastern Roman Emperor Justinian I in 529 and served as the basis for the legal system in many countries for centuries.