Browse Historical Events by Day: What Happened on October 3rd?

The Battle of Alesia during the Gallic Wars takes place. The Rome military forces under the command of Julius Caesar surround and blockade the city of Alesia where the Gallic general Vercingetorix and his forces were sheltered. Caesar directed his troops to erect a series of extensive fortifications, including two walls encircling the city, to keep the defenders in and potential reinforcements out. Vercingetorix’s eventual surrender secured Roman authority over Gaul in its entirety. More

President Abraham Lincoln encourages Americans to recognize the last Thursday of November as “a day of Thanksgiving. More

The Empire State Building is officially opened in New York City, becoming the tallest building in the world at the time.

Iraq Independence day - Britain ends its 17 year mandate and Iraq is admitted to the League of Nations, making Iraq an independent nation after centuries of Ottoman rule. More

Italy invades Ethiopia, initiating the Second Italo-Ethiopian War.

The V-2 first successful launch takes place. It flew at speeds in excess of 3,500 miles per hour and delivered a 2,200-pound warhead to a target 200 miles away. Beginning in September 1944, it was employed against targets in Western Europe, including London, Paris, and Antwerp. More

Germany Day of Unity. Commemorates the Reunification of Germany which ended decades of division. More

The Emergency Economic Stabilization Act is signed into law in the United States, establishing the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) to address the financial crisis.