THE DAY IN HISTORY · OCTOBER 2
October 2 in history
What happened on October 2: 2 moments from the Maps of History atlases, in 1187 and 1958, each linked to the map that shows it.
— Saladin takes Jerusalem
2 Oct 1187 — the city surrenders on terms; ransomed inhabitants walk free, and Saladin famously restrains his troops. The contrast with 1099 makes his legend in both civilizations — and shames Europe into a Third Crusade.
READ THIS MOMENT → · SEE IT ON THE CRUSADES MAP → · THE FULL STORY →
— Independence of Guinea
2 Oct 1958 — Sékou Touré’s Guinea alone rejects de Gaulle’s Community: “We prefer poverty in freedom to riches in slavery.” France withdraws its files, telephones and even light bulbs within weeks.
READ THIS MOMENT → · SEE IT ON THE DECOLONIZATION OF AFRICA MAP → · THE FULL STORY →
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