Shakespeare's Sonnets Published: 154 Poems, Possibly Stolen
Thomas Thorpe printed Shakespeare's sonnets in London, likely without the poet's permission, launching a collection that would redefine English lyric poetry. This unauthorized release preserved forty-four poems previously circulating only in manuscript, ensuring their survival and securing Shakespeare's reputation as a master of intimate verse beyond his plays.
May 20, 1609
417 years ago
Key Figures & Places
What Else Happened on May 20
Constantine thought inviting 1,800 bishops would unify Christianity. Only 318 showed up to Nicaea, many bearing scars from recent Roman persecutions—missing eye…
A widow chose an emperor. When Zeno died of dysentery in 491, his wife Ariadne held something no Byzantine woman had possessed before: the right to pick the nex…
A massive earthquake leveled the Byzantine city of Antioch, claiming roughly 250,000 lives and shattering the region’s infrastructure. This catastrophe crippled…
un tremblement de terre détruit Antioche et y entraîne 250 000 morts.
Einem Erdbeben in Antiochia und Syrien fallen laut Angaben des Historikers Johannes Malalas bis zu 250.000 Menschen zum Opfer.
en la región de Siria (parte del Imperio romano de oriente) sucede un terremoto de XI grados en la escala modificada de Mercalli (que mide daños). Deja un saldo…
Talk to History
Have a conversation with historical figures who witnessed this era. Ask questions, explore perspectives, and bring history to life.