Vikings, Penicillin, and the First Color TV!
Whoa, September 28th is packed! We've got epic invasions, microscopic discoveries that saved millions, and even the first time a World Series game was shown in glorious color. Think history is dull? Today proves it's wilder than any movie!
Imagine a world without antibiotics—yikes! Thankfully, on this day in 1928, a scientist basically tripped over the cure for nasty infections. Plus, in 1066, a huge invasion kicked off a whole new era for England. Let's dive into the drama!
What Happened on This Day
William the Conqueror Lands in England!
Forget a quiet morning; September 28, 1066, was when William the Conqueror, Duke of Normandy, sailed his massive fleet across the English Channel and landed in Sussex. This wasn't a friendly tourist trip! He was there to claim the English throne, leading to the famous Battle of Hastings soon after. This one landing changed English rulers, language, and castles forever! Talk about an unforgettable arrival.
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First European on California's Coast
Way back in 1542, a Portuguese explorer named Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo, sailing for Spain, landed his ship in what is now San Diego, California. This made him the first European to step foot on that part of the future United States! He was looking for new lands and trade routes, which was super common during the Age of Exploration. It was a massive moment for mapping the world, even if the locals weren't too thrilled.
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Accidentally Discovering Penicillin!
This is one of history's greatest 'oops' moments! Scientist Alexander Fleming returned to his messy lab after a vacation and noticed something weird. A blob of mold (a type of fungus) had grown on one of his petri dishes, and the bacteria around it had vanished! This mold was making a substance that killed germs: penicillin. This accidental find led to the first mass-produced antibiotic, saving countless lives from infections that used to be deadly. Amazing!
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World Series Goes Technicolor on TV
Get ready for color explosion! On this day in 1955, the World Series between the Brooklyn Dodgers and the New York Yankees was the first-ever to be broadcast on television in full color. Before this, TV was black and white, like an old photograph! Imagine watching your favorite sport suddenly burst into vibrant reds, blues, and greens for the very first time. It was a huge step in how we watch sports today.
USA Constitution Sent Out for Approval
A brand new rulebook for the United States was finished! On September 28, 1787, the Congress of the Confederation voted to send the newly written U.S. Constitution to the different states for them to check out and approve. This document, which sets out the rules for the government, was debated for months before this big step. It was like submitting a massive, game-changing group project to the class for a final vote!
Learn moreFun Facts About September 28
- In 1066, William the Conqueror won the Battle of Hastings just a few weeks after landing!
- Alexander Fleming almost threw away the moldy dish that led to penicillin—phew!
- The first nighttime American football game under electric lights was played on September 28, 1892.
- Juan Cabrillo named the area he found 'San Miguel,' but it was renamed San Diego later.
A Look Back in Time
September 28th has witnessed moments that fundamentally changed borders and science! In the 11th century, Europe was reshaped by William the Conqueror's invasion, kicking off centuries of Norman influence in England. Over 1,700 years later, the world was preparing to establish modern rules with the US Constitution approval process. Meanwhile, the seeds of modern medicine and mass media were being sown with Fleming's discovery and the first color TV broadcast.
Born on This Day
Brigitte Bardot
A superstar actress and model from France, Brigitte Bardot became a huge international celebrity in the 1950s and 60s. She was famous for her glamorous style and was a major trendsetter. Later in life, she became a dedicated animal rights activist, using her fame to help creatures great and small.
Naomi Watts
Naomi Watts is a talented actress known for starring in big movies like 'The Ring' and 'King Kong.' She grew up moving around a lot, which might be why she's so good at becoming different characters! She's also a Goodwill Ambassador for UNAIDS, helping people worldwide.
Hilary Duff
You might know her as Lizzie McGuire from the Disney Channel! Hilary Duff started acting and singing when she was very young and has had a long career in TV shows and music. She’s also a busy author and mom, showing she can juggle being a star and handling life's adventures.
Confucius
Confucius was an incredibly important Chinese philosopher and teacher who lived a very long time ago. His ideas about respect, kindness, family duty, and good leadership became the foundation for much of Chinese culture and government for thousands of years. Think of him as a super-wise life coach for an entire civilization!