Saladin captures Jerusalem from the Crusaders, on October 2, 1187 after a decisive victory at the Battle of Hattin. The event was a major shock to the Christian world, prompting Pope Gregory VIII to call for a holy war, leading to the Third Crusade, as European monarchs like Richard the Lionheart sought to recapture the holy city.
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What Happened Today in History on October 2
Explore the historical events that shaped our world on October 2nd. 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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President Woodrow Wilson suffered a severe stroke that left him incapacitated until the end of his presidential term in 1921. His wife and his physician controlled Wilson, and no significant decisions were made. Meanwhile, his policies alienated German- and Irish-American Democrats and the Republicans won a landslide in the 1920 election. M ore
Guinea, officially the Republic of Guinea, Independence Day from France. Guinea was the only French West African colony to opt for complete independence, rather than membership in the French Community. France withdrew all aid to the new republic. shortly thereafter. More
A team of scientists working at a University of Florida lab, invent a sports drink to quench thirst. the drink that would soon become known as Gatorade was born. The name "Gatorade" is derived from the nickname of the university's sports teams. Eventually, the drink becomes a phenomenon and made its inventors wealthy. More
Thurgood Marshall is sworn in to the nation’s highest court at the opening ceremony of the Supreme Court term, becoming the first Black US Supreme Court justice. More
Journalist Jamal Khashoggi is murdered inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, Turkey.