Fact 1: An Imperial Edict Started it All
July 29, history traces back to 587 BC, when the Neo-Babylonian Empire issued an imperial edict indicating July 29th as an important date. The edict was written on a clay tablet and documented the sales of land, providing one of the earliest details associated with this date.
Fact 2: The Birth of the National Basketball Association (NBA)
July 29 is an important date in the world of sports, particularly basketball. On July 29, 1949, the National Basketball Association was established when the Basketball Association of America and the National Basketball League merged.
Fact 3: First Test Tube Baby's Birthday
The world owes the birth of the first test tube baby, Louise Joy Brown, to July 29. Born in 1978 in England, her birth marked a pivotal moment in medical history, opening the gates for advancements in IVF technologies.
Fact 4: NASA’s Modern Era Commencement
On July 29, 1958, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, popularly known as NASA, was established by the United States government. The creation of NASA marked the beginning of an era of modern space exploration.
Fact 5: A Powerful King's Death
On July 29, 1030, history was shaken by the death of King Olav II of Norway. Regarded as a powerful warrior-king, his death during the Battle of Stiklestad became a turning point for the Christianization of Norway.
Fact 6: London’s First Double Decker Bus Service
London's first rooftop bus service started operating on July 29, 1923. This key mode of transport for the city of London adds to the vibrancy and cultural identity of the British capital.
Fact 7: Marilyn Monroe’s Momentous Wedding
July 29 marks the memorable moment when the iconic Marilyn Monroe married playwright Arthur Miller in 1956.
Fact 8: Pop Art Pioneer’s Birthday
Pop Art, a significant art movement that relishes in popular culture, owes its existence to many artists, including the celebrated American artist Richard Hamilton, who was born on July 29, 1922.
Fact 9: Last Public Execution in France
France saw its last public execution on July 29, 1939. Eugen Weidmann, a thirty-one-year-old German, was guillotined in Versailles, marking the end of public capital punishment in the country.
Fact 10: The Birth of a Tennis Legend
Tennis champion Martina McBride celebrates her birthday on July 29, adding a sporting significance to this day in history.
Fact 11: Architect of Crystal Palace’s Death
Sir Joseph Paxton, the architect who designed the Crystal Palace for the Great Exhibition of 1851 in London, died on July 29, 1865. His death marked the loss of a significant contributor to the neo-renaissance architectural era.
Fact 12: First Women’s Football Match Ever
July 29, 1895 marks the first women’s football match ever recorded. The match took place in London, creating a significant milestone for women in sports.
Fact 13: Gottingen Academy of Sciences Inauguration
Founded by King George II of Great Britain, Germany’s Gottingen Academy of Sciences was inaugurated on July 29, 1751.
Fact 14: Successful Craniopagus Twins’ Surgery
July 29, 1987, marked a significant milestone in medical history with the successful separation of Patrick and Benjamin Binder – craniopagus twins – in a 22-hour long surgical procedure.
Fact 15: Booth Tarkington’s Birthday
Pulitzer-winning author Booth Tarkington was born on July 29, 1869. Known best for works like 'The Magnificent Ambersons', his birthday adds literary significance to this day.
Fact 16: First Ascent of the Eiger North Face
July 29 is also recognized in mountaineering history. The incredibly dangerous north face of the Eiger in the Bernese Alps was first conquered on this day in 1938.
Fact 17: Disneyland Dedication Day
The 'Happiest Place on Earth', Disneyland, was officially dedicated and opened to the public on July 29, 1955.
Fact 18: The Moon Moved Farthest from Earth
July 29, 1974, was when the moon was noted to be at its apogee, its farthest point from the earth, for that year.
Fact 19: Foundation of the International Olympic Committee
The International Olympic Committee (IOC), responsible for organizing the worldwide Olympic Games, was founded on July 29, 1894.
Fact 20: Google’s Trademark Birthday
The term 'Google' was officially confirmed as a trademark by the United States Patent and Trademark Office on July 29, 2004. This marked a new chapter for one of the biggest tech giants in the world.