Giza

A rose by any other name...

Byzantine emperor Justinian I orders the building of a new Orthodox Christian basilica in Constantinople – the Hagia Sophia 23 February 532 (1486 years ago)

The Postal Service Act, establishing the United States Post Office Department, is signed by United States President George Washington. 20 February 1792 (226 years ago)

Emperor Constantius II issues a decree closing all pagan temples in the Roman Empire. 19 February 356 (1662 years ago)

Myles Standish is appointed as first military commander of the English Plymouth Colony in North America. (Historical Calendar 17 February 1621 (397 years ago)

1906 piano

Women's rights: US President Rutherford B. Hayes signs a bill allowing female attorneys to argue cases before the Supreme Court of the United States. 15 February 1879 (139 years ago)

Pope Gregory VII excommunicates Henry IV, Holy Roman Emperor. 14 February 1076 (942 years ago

The central tower of Ely Cathedral falls on the night of 12th–13th. 13 February 1322 (696 years ago)

Delicious!

Henry VIII of England is recognized as supreme head of the Church of England. 11 February 1534 (484 years ago)

Jefferson Davis is notified by telegraph that he has been chosen as provisional President of the Confederate States of America. 10 February 1861 (157 years ago)

American Revolutionary War: The British Parliament declares Massachusetts in rebellion. 9 February 1775 (243 years ago)

Richard Johnson becomes the first Vice President of the United States chosen by the United States Senate. (Historical Calendar - 8 February 1837 (181 years ago)

The Bonfire of the Vanities occurs, during which supporters of Girolamo Savonarola burn cosmetics, art, and books in Florence, Italy. 7 February 1497 (521 years ago)

When to keep your mouth shut

New Jersey grants the first American railroad charter to John Stevens. 6 February 1815 (203 years ago)

The New Hermitage Museum in Saint Petersburg, Russia, one of the largest and oldest museums in the world, opens to the public. (166 years ago)

John Rogers is burned at the stake, becoming the first English Protestant martyr under Mary I of England. (Historical Calendar - 4 February 1555 (463 years ago)