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On This Day in History: May 12

Explore the historical events that shaped our world on May 12th. From major milestones to cultural achievements, see what happened on this day in history. Dates for earlier events may be approximate.

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c. 967 BCE May

King Solomon is believed to have begun construction of the First Temple in Jerusalem is c. May 967 although other estimates range from 1012 BCE to 832 BCE.

The biblical narrative in 1 Kings 6:1, cites "the foundation was laid in the month of Ziv (the second month of the religious year, roughly mid-spring) during the fourth year of Solomon's reign". This year is also famously cited in the Bible as being 480 years after the Israelites left Egypt. Some often cited sources include: The Seder Olam Rabbah and historians Edwin Thiele and Valerius Coucke,

1003 CE, May 12

Pope Sylvester II (born Gerbert of Aurillac) dies in Rome on May 12, 1003. His papacy contributed to the advancement of science and mathematics in Europe. He served as pope for just over four years and was 57 years old when he died. He was succeeded by Pope John XVII.

Known as the "Mathematical Pope," Sylvester II was a prolific scholar who introduced Hindu-Arabic numerals and the abacus to Western Europe. Sylvester II died shortly after returning to Rome following a period of exile caused by a Roman uprising. Although he returned to Rome, the rebellious nobility still held political authority, leaving him largely without secular power in his final months.

1521 CE, May 12

King Henry VIII of England orders the burning of all Lutheran books in London on May 12, 1521. Cardinal Wolsey led the condemnation, symbolizing England's opposition to Lutheranism.

1656 CE, May 12

The Dutch East India Company's forces defeat the Portuguese on a sustained conflict culminating in the capture of Colombo on May 12, 1656 in Sri Lanka.a sustained, The Dutch eventually expelled the Portuguese entirely by 1658, ending Portuguese rule in the region.

1846 CE, May 12

The Donner Party disaster - A group of American pioneers led by captain, George Donner traveling from the Midwest to California becomes stranded in the Sierra Nevada mountains during a very harsh winter.

Reportedly, the extreme conditions led to cannibalism among those who survived when food ran out. It was the worst disaster of the overland migration to California. Donner Lake and Donner Pass in California, are named for the group. Forty of the 87 who began the trek died from starvation-related causes. The survivors were not rescued until the spring of 1847. More

1903 CE, May 12

President Theodore Roosevelt travels to San Francisco and his arrival parade is captured on on moving-picture film, making him one of the first presidents to have an official activity recorded in that new medium. Video

1932 CE, May 12

The body of Charles Lindbergh Jr. son of aviator Charles Lindbergh and Anne Morrow Lindbergh, was found in Hopewell Township, New Jersey. More

1937 CE, May 12

The coronation of George VI and his wife, Elizabeth takes place at Westminster Abbey, London; following the abdication of his older brother Edward who abdicated so he could marry American socialite Wallis Simpson. More

1949 CE, May 12

The Soviets end the blockade of Berlin which had began 11-months earlier on June, 24 1948. The Soviet Union blockaded all road, rail, and water routes into West Berlin, effectively isolating it from the rest of Western Germany. The Allies response was an Airlift (Berlin Airlift) which successfully supplied West Berlin during the blockade. The Airlift continued until September of 1949 with a total of 278,228 flights delivering over 2.3 million tons of supplies More

2008 CE, May 12

An 8.0 earthquake occurs in the province of Sichuan, China. The earthquake ruptured the fault for over 150 mi, with surface displacements of several meters. Over 69,000 people lost their lives. The earthquake was felt as far away as Beijing and Shanghai; approximately 1000 miles away. where office buildings swayed with the tremor, as well as Bangkok, Thailand and Hanoi, Vietnam. Strong aftershocks, continued to hit the area for several months, causing further casualties and damage. More