May 20

What happened on May 20 in history

3 events fall on May 20, from 1498 to 1932. 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 May 20

  1. 1498

    Vasco da Gama reaches India

    He anchors off Calicut after rounding Africa.

    Play the Medieval & Renaissance round

  2. 1873

    Levi Strauss patents riveted trousers

    Copper rivets at the stress points create blue jeans.

    Play the 19th century round

  3. 1932

    Amelia Earhart flies the Atlantic alone

    She leaves Newfoundland and lands in a field in Northern Ireland.

    Play the 20th century round