This week in history
Sept. 10, 1960
At the Summer Olympics in Rome, Abebe Bikila becomes the first sub-Saharan African to win a gold medal, winning the marathon in bare feet.
Sept. 11, 1609
Henry Hudson discovers Manhattan Island and the indigenous people living there.
Sept. 12, 490 BC
Battle of Marathon: The conventionally accepted date for the Battle of Marathon. The Athenians and their Plataean allies defeat the first Persian invasion force of Greece.
Sept. 13, 1971
Chairman Mao edong’s second in command and successor Marshal Lin Biao flees the People’s Republic of China after the failure of an alleged coup. His plane crashes in Mongolia, killing all onboard.
Sept. 14, 1752
The British Empire adopts the Gregorian calendar, skipping days the previous day was Sept 2).
Sept. 15, 1616
The first non-aristocratic, free public school in Europe opens in Frascati, Italy.
Sept. 16, 2007
One-Two-GO Airlines Flight 2 9 carrying 28 crew and passengers crashes at Phuket International Airport, killing 89 people.