August 12

What happened on August 12 in history

3 events fall on August 12, from 30 BC to 1981. Read them below, then try to place a historical scene yourself — guess where in the world it happened and in what year.

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Events on August 12

  1. 30 BC

    Cleopatra dies

    The last Ptolemaic ruler of Egypt kills herself in Alexandria.

    Play the Ancient & classical round

  2. 1877

    The phonograph is demonstrated

    Edison's assistant builds the machine and Mary Had a Little Lamb is recorded.

    Play the 19th century round

  3. 1981

    The IBM PC is announced

    The model 5150 sets the standard for personal computing.

    Play the 20th century round