ON THIS DAY

1566:

French astrologer, physician and prophet Nostradamus dies in Salon-de- Provence.

The Union Jack is adopted as the flag of Australia.

The Russian army crosses the Pruth River, invading Turkey and beginning the Crimean War. US aviator Amelia Earhart and navigator Fred Noonan disappear during an attempt to cross the Pacific.

American novelist Ernest Hemingway shoots himself dead at his home. Colombian soccer player Andres Escobar is slain in Medellin 10 days after he accidentally scored a goal against his team during a World Cup game against the US.

Jerry Hall, US model-actress (1956-); Matthew Reilly, Australian author (1974-); Lindsay Lohan, US actress (1986-); Margot Robbie, Australian actress (1990-).

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