What happened on this day in history: Cleopatra gives birth to Julius Caesar's son, Lorena Bobbitt cuts off her husband's penis, and more.
47 B.C.E.: Cleopatra Gives Birth To Caesar’s Son
Wikimedia CommonsCleopatra and Julius Caesar, who she allegedly seduced so that he would help her in a power struggle against her brother.
Cleopatra gives birth to Julius Caesar’s son, Caesarion. The famous pharaoh had struck up a relationship with Caesar as she battled her brother for control of Egypt and, with his help, had won the day. But when Cleopatra and Mark Antony named Caesarion as Caesar’s heir after Caesar’s death, Caesar’s adopted son Octavian declared war and had Caesarion killed.
1868: Christopher Latham Sholes Receives A Patent For The Typewriter
Christopher Latham Sholes, alongside Carlos Glidden and Samuel W. Soulé, is granted a patent for the typewriter. Sholes had originally secured a patent with Soulé for a page-numbering machine, which Glidden suggested he modify so that it could print letters. Sholes later sold his patent to the Remington Arms Company, which produced the Remington Typewriter.
1961: Antarctic Treaty Becomes Effective
The Antarctic Treaty signed by 12 countries becomes effective. This treaty designated Antarctica as a place of international cooperation, peace, and scientific discovery. The treaty prevents any nation from using Antarctica for military and nuclear purposes. Additionally, nations cannot lay claim to Antarctica. The treaty was meant to allow for freedom of scientific investigation in Antarctica for all nations. Today, 56 countries agree to abide by the rules of the Antarctic Treaty.
1965: The Ice Box Murders Take Place In Houston
Houston Public LibraryThe ice box where Charles Rogers allegedly put his parents’ remains.
Fred and Edwina Rogers are murdered, dismembered, and stuffed in their fridge in Houston, Texas. The main suspect in the so-called Ice Box Murders was the couple’s adult son, Charles, a Navy veteran who lived with his parents and vanished after their murders. Though Charles was later declared legally dead in 1975, his remains were never found.
1993: Lorena Bobbitt Castrates Her Husband
Lorena Bobbitt cuts off the penis of her husband, John, and discards it in a field. In the ensuing trial, which captivated America, Lorena claimed that she’d attacked her husband because he’d abused her for years and because he’d raped her earlier that night. She was found not guilty by reason of temporary insanity and briefly placed in a psychiatric hospital; John’s penis was later reattached.
