Browse Historical Events by Day: What Happened on October 28th?

Constantine the Great defeats Maxentius at the Battle of the Milvian Bridge, becoming the sole Roman Emperor. According to ancient sources, Constantine converted to Christianity just before the battle It was likely the reason for his decision to end Christian persecution and establish Christianity as the most favored religion within the Roman Empire.

Michelangelo's artwork on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City is unveiled to the public.

1635, October 28 - The Treaty of Sztumska Wieś is signed, ending the Polish-Swedish War and recognizing Sweden's control over Livonia.

The Hōei earthquake strikes Japan, causing widespread damage and loss of life.

A major earthquake at 10:30pm of an estimated 9.2 magnitude and a following tsunami, demolish the Peruvian city of Lima and the port city of Callao, killing 18,000 persons. Most of the 3000 homes in Lima were destroyed with only two dozen remaining standing. All offices and all 74 churches were destroyed or damaged. To the south, many buildings collapsed all the way to Cañete, and to Chancay in the north. The disrupted area embraced 44,000 square kilometers. A little later in the evening, a following tsunami, devastated the neighboring port of Callao, destroying the port itself and sweeping miles inland. In contrast to Lima, only a handful of Callao’sinhabitants survived. More

The Statue of Liberty, a gift from France to the United States, is dedicated on Liberty Island in New York Harbor. President Grover Cleveland oversaw the dedication of the Statue of Liberty in front of thousands of spectators. More

The Cech Republic Independence Day. Commemorates the Independence declaration by the Czechoslovak National Council.

Congress passed the Volstead Act providing for enforcement of the Eighteenth Amendment to the Constitution, which was ratified nine months earlier. Known as the Prohibition Amendment, it prohibited the “manufacture, sale, or transportation of intoxicating liquors” in the United States. More

Italy declares war on Greece and starts the invasion. The people of Greece answer the call to defend the country and drive the Italian army back into Albania, placing Hitler in the position of having to delay his invasion of Russia to commit troops to attack and occupy Greece. More

The last piece of the St. Louis's Gateway Arch is fitted into place. More

The new Leif Erickson Tunnel ribbon is cut and balloons are dropped on the final link of I-35 through Duluth, MN. Mayor Gary Doty and U.S. Representative James Oberstar wield the giant plywood scissors. More

The Boston Red Sox win their first World Series championship in 86 years, breaking the "Curse of the Bambino."

The European Space Agency's Huygens probe lands on Saturn's moon Titan.