January 18
January 18, 1677: On this day, Jan van Riebeeck died. Dutch navigator and colonial administrator Johan Anthoniszoon "Jan" van Riebeeck worked for the Dutch East India Company. When the Dutch East India Company arrived […]
August 3
August 3, 1914: On this day, Germany invaded France. The invasion led to the destruction of French vineyards, especially in Champagne. This region was known for having the best terroir in the world, but […]
August 14
August 14, 1889: On this day in 1889 the Griffe Law was passed by the French government. Named after Charles Griffe, a senator representing the Hérault region of southern France who had proposed the […]
July 31
July 31, 1556: On this day, Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Society of Jesus (more commonly known as the Jesuits) died in the city of Rome. The Jesuits had been established in […]
February 14
February 14, 1387: On this day, King John I of Portugal wed Philippa of Lancaster, a descendant of John of Gaunt, the first Duke of Lancaster. The long-standing relationship between Portugal and England was […]
