May 5

    What happened on May 5 in history

    3 events fall on May 5, from 1821 to 1961. Read them below, then try to place a historical scene yourself — guess where in the world it happened and in what year.

    Events on May 5

    1. 1821

      Napoleon dies on Saint Helena

      The exiled emperor dies in the South Atlantic at fifty-one.

      Play the 19th century round

    2. 1862

      The Battle of Puebla

      A Mexican force defeats a larger French army, remembered as Cinco de Mayo.

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

    3. 1961

      Alan Shepard flies in space

      Freedom 7 makes America's first crewed suborbital flight.

      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