Fact 1: The Historic Diocletian Edict
On March 28, 302, the Roman Emperor Diocletian enacted the Edict of Prices, a law that aimed to stabilize the volatile Roman economy by setting maximum price levels for different goods and services. Despite its good intentions, the measure ultimately proved ineffective as it couldn't reverse the currency collapse.
Fact 2: Nautical Tragedy Celebrated as a Holiday
In the Faroe Islands, a self-governing territory of Denmark, March 28 is celebrated as Gærdagen, a day dedicated to commemorate a 17th-century seafaring disaster in which around 200 men were lost at sea. On this day, the Faroes typically observe various traditions, including eating fermented lamb and rice pudding.
Fact 3: The Landmark Burger King Case
On March 28, 1995, a court in Miami ruled in favor of Burger King in a lawsuit against a small, Detroit-based eatery with a similar name, Burger Buddy. The case made headlines, as it set a precedent with the ruling that brand protection can transcend state lines.
Fact 4: Virginia Woolf's Birthday
The British writer Virginia Woolf was born on March 28, 1882. Considered one of the most important modernist authors of the 20th century, her novels, such as 'Mrs. Dalloway' and 'To the Lighthouse,' heavily influenced the feminist movement.
Fact 5: The First African-American Mayor of New York is Elected
On March 28, 1989, David Dinkins triumphed over Ed Koch in the Democratic primary. Later that year, he went on to become the first African-American mayor in New York City's history.
Fact 6: The Titanic Exhibition in Las Vegas
On March 28, 2013, an exhibition dedicated to the Titanic opened at Luxor Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. It features numerous artifacts recovered from the wreckage site, including the iconic grand staircase.
Fact 7: The First Voyage of the Venetian Galleass
March 28, 1503, marked the first journey of the Venetian Galleass. This type of ship was a larger and more heavily armed version of the Galley, which dominated Mediterranean warfare during this period.
Fact 8: Three Star Birthdays
March 28 is a day for triple-star birthday celebrations, notably for Lady Gaga, Reba McEntire, and Julia Stiles. All three have made significant contributions to their respective fields: music, country Western culture, and acting.
Fact 9: The Grand Inauguration of Maria Elena Hernandez
On March 28, 2018, Maria Elena Hernandez was officially inaugurated as the first female President of the University of Puerto Rico, marking a significant moment for gender equality in the country's academia.
Fact 10: The Unveiling of "The Doors of Paradise"
On 28th March 1452, famous Italian artist Lorenzo Ghiberti unveiled the magnificent 'Gates of Paradise,' shiny bronze doors decorated with biblical scenes, which adorn the Baptistery of San Giovanni in Florence.
Fact 11: The Birth of the Radar
The first functional radar system was demonstrated by Scottish physicist Sir Robert Watson-Watt on March 28, 1935. This invention greatly impacted World War II and has since evolved into a technology essential for areas like aviation, astronomy and weather forecasting.
Fact 12: Spanish Freedom of Press
On March 28, 1812, Spain established the freedom of the press in its constitution. For the first time in Spain's history, government censorship was prohibited, enabling significant advancements in free speech and information transparency.
Fact 13: The Wrigley Company's Founding
The Wrigley Company, known worldwide for its chewing gum, was established on March 28, 1891, in Chicago, Illinois. Initially, the company started selling soap and baking powder with chewing gum as a small promotion, but the customers' preference for gum led to the alteration of the company's main offering.
Fact 14: Opera Star's Goodbye
March 28, 2001, marked the day when the legendary opera singer José Carreras gave his farewell performance at an Opera Gala in Augsburg, Germany.
Fact 15: The End of General Franco's Dictatorship
On March 28, 1977, Spain legalized political parties, ending a 36-year dictatorship under General Franco. It marked a turning point, reinstating democracy in the country.
Fact 16: The First Woman Astronaut in Orbit
March 28, 1984, is a significant date in space exploration as it marked the landing of the STS 41-C Challenger. It carried Sally Ride, America's first female astronaut in space.
Fact 17: The Suez Canal Opens for Business
After a two-year closure, the Suez Canal was reopened to shipping traffic on March 28, 1975. The reopening marked the end of a tumultuous period following the Six-Day War between Israel and Egypt in 1967.
Fact 18: Scientists Develop a Synthetic Skin
On March 28, 1996, the first synthetic skin, grown from the patient's cells, was achieved successfully by scientists at the Massachusetts General Hospital. This revolutionized treatments for serious burn victims.
Fact 19: Birth of Comedian Rodney Dangerfield
The iconic American comedian, Rodney Dangerfield, known for his self-deprecating humor and catchphrase "I don't get no respect!", was born on March 28, 1921.
Fact 20: First Radio Broadcast of the Metropolitan Opera
The first radio broadcast from the Metropolitan Opera in New York City took place on March 28, 1910. The breakthrough transmission, featuring a performance of Wagner's 'Tristan und Isolde,' broke new ground for the technology and shaped the path for future radio broadcasts.