September 20

What happened on September 20 in history

5 events fall on September 20, from 1519 to 1977. 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 September 20

  1. 1519

    Magellan sets out

    Five ships leave Sanlucar to look for a westward route to the Spice Islands.

    Play the Medieval & Renaissance round

  2. 1854

    The Battle of the Alma

    The first major engagement of the Crimean War.

    Play the 19th century round

  3. 1946

    The first Cannes Film Festival

    The festival opens after being cancelled by the war in 1939.

    Play the 20th century round

  4. 1973

    The Battle of the Sexes

    Billie Jean King beats Bobby Riggs before a Houston crowd of thirty thousand.

    Play the 20th century round

  5. 1977

    Vietnam joins the UN

    The reunified country takes its seat.

    Play the 20th century round