As potato crops failed in 1845 due to a fungal-like microorganism known as Phytophthora infestans, the Irish Potato Famine would result in millions of Irish poor fleeing the country or dying from starvation and diseases caused by malnutrition.

On March 23rd, 1989, the Exxon Valdez supertanker left Alaska with 53 million gallons of crude oil, soon colliding into a well-known reef before excreting 11 million gallons of crude oil into Prince William Sound. The ecological and economic devastation that followed was unprecedented at the time in maritime history.

After Emperor Nero’s decadent rule and flurry of successors, Emperor Vespasian tore down Nero’s Palace to build an amphitheater for the people — the Roman Colosseum was completed in 80 A.D. Gladiators, animal fights and mock naval battles were used to entertain Romans.

As World War Two ended, Operation Magic Carpet was the US response to the logistical challenge of repatriating more than 8 million servicemen and women to North America. The operation proved to be the largest mass movement of humanity in recorded history.

The Parthenon was constructed atop the Acropolis in Athens, Greece between 447 and 432 B.C.E. It has had many purposes, served multiple religions and withstood numerous attacks and natural disaster.

Beginning with Martin Luther’s “95 Theses” in 1517, the Protestant Reformation was a period of religious reform as the Catholic Church grew more powerful, wealthy and corrupt. New denominations of Christianity would emerge with a heavier focus on spirituality.

The history of engagement rings used to declare a man’s intent to marry a woman was officially recognized in 850 A.D. by Pope Nicholas I. The first diamond engagement ring was commissioned by Archduke Maximillian of Austria in 1477.