753 BC Rome, Mythology: This is the legendary date of the foundation of Rome by the brothers Romulus and Remus. In the first century BC the Roman Senate commissioned scholar Marcus Terentius Varro to determine the foundation date and he did.
1689 London, Politics: William III and Mary II were crowned joint sovereigns of England, Scotland, and Ireland. Bill was simultaneously the ruler of the Netherlands. He spent most of his reign(s) making war on Catholics in Belgium, France, Ireland, and Scotland.
1956 Memphis (TN), Music: Elvis Presley’s ‘Heartbreak Hotel’ hit number one. His first hit song. Been to Graceland. Daniel Klein has written a series of charming krimis featuring Elvis. Try ‘Kill Me Tender’ (2002).
1960 Brasilia, Architecture: A new city built on a greenfield became the capital of Brazil. Planning had began in 1956. The temperature rarely drops below 30 degrees Centigrade in daylight hours on the plateau. In the Wikipedia entry architect Oscar Niemeyer is barely mentioned, yet he designed most of the public buildings that are so distinctive. The political purpose was to leave behind the squalor and corruption of Rio de Janeiro, to open up the interior, and to thrust Brasil into the forefront of urban modernity. One of the few, perhaps, the only place in South America I would like to see with my own eyes. There is a rollicking, mile-a-minute film partly set in Brasilia called ‘L’homme de Rio’ (1964).
1970 Hutt River (WA), Politics: North of Perth farmer Leonard Casley declared his property of 520 square kilometres a province and seceded from Western Australia and the Commonwealth of Australia. He designated himself His Royal Highness Prince Leonard of Hutt. He was incensed by Wheat Board quotas and decided to generate publicity. The media ate it with a spoon but seldom mentioned his purpose. There is a Wikipedia entry for those who want to know more.
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