Today in News History

On July 9, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 551, A major earthquake strikes Beirut, triggering a devastating tsunami that affects the coastal towns of Byzantine Phoenicia, causing thousands of deaths. In 660, Korean forces under general Kim Yu-sin of Silla defeat the army of Baekje in the Battle of Hwangsanbeol. In 1875, The Herzegovina Uprising against Ottoman rule begins, which would last until 1878 and have far-reaching implications throughout the Balkans. In 1910, Govan Mbeki, South African anti-apartheid and ANC leader and activist (died 2001) was born. In 1929, Hassan II of Morocco (died 1999) was born. In 1948, Hassan Wirajuda, Indonesian lawyer and politician, 15th Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs was born. In 1986, Sébastien Bassong, Cameroonian footballer was born. In 2002, The African Union is established in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, replacing the Organisation of African Unity (OAU). The organization's first chairman is Thabo Mbeki, President of South Africa. In 2011, South Sudan gains independence and secedes from Sudan. In 2015, Saud bin Faisal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Arabian economist and politician, Saudi Arabian Minister of Foreign Affairs (born 1940) passed away. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.