January 1

    What happened on January 1 in history

    4 events fall on January 1, from 1502 to 1959. Read them below, then try to place a historical scene yourself — guess where in the world it happened and in what year.

    Events on January 1

    1. 1502

      Portuguese sailors reach Guanabara Bay

      Mistaking the bay for a river mouth, the fleet names the place Rio de Janeiro — river of January.

      Play the Medieval & Renaissance round

    2. 1801

      The Act of Union takes effect

      Great Britain and Ireland become a single kingdom, and a new union flag is flown.

      Read about Discovery of the Rosetta StonePlay the 19th century round

    3. 1863

      The Emancipation Proclamation comes into force

      Lincoln's order declares enslaved people in the rebelling Confederate states to be free.

      Read about Opening of the Metropolitan Railway, World's First UndergroundPlay the 19th century round

    4. 1959

      Batista flees Cuba

      The dictator leaves Havana before dawn as rebel columns advance, ending the Cuban Revolution's armed phase.

      Read about Construction of the Berlin WallPlay the 20th century round

    Guess where and when

    Explore a 360° historical scene and place it on the map and the timeline. Free, no sign-up.

    Play today's challenge