Today in the past: Interesting things that happened on May 18

May 18th serves as a historical beacon, marking a series of significant events that have left an indelible mark on the fabric of global history. This date has been a witness to transformative moments that have not only shaped nations but also the lives of individuals, echoing through time with their lasting impact.

On May 18, 332, in the thriving heart of the Byzantine Empire, Emperor Constantine the Great enacted a policy that would provide free daily bread rations to the citizens of Constantinople.This decree was a pioneering move towards social welfare and showcased the emperor’s commitment to addressing the basic needs of his people, setting a standard for future rulers.

The political landscape of Europe shifted dramatically on May 18, 1804, when Napoleon Bonaparte was declared Emperor of the French by the French Senate. This historic proclamation marked the end of the French Republic and the rise of the French Empire, with Napoleon at its helm, steering France into a new epoch of military and cultural dominance.

On May 18, 1974, India etched its name into the annals of nuclear history by conducting its first successful nuclear test. Codenamed ‘Smiling Buddha,’ the test propelled India into the exclusive club of nuclear-armed states, altering the strategic balance in South Asia and asserting India’s sovereignty and technological prowess.

The serene landscape of Washington was violently disrupted on May 18, 1980, when Mount St. Helens erupted. The explosion decimated the surrounding area, claiming 57 lives and causing over $1 billion in damages. It stands as a stark reminder of nature’s unpredictable power and the need for vigilant disaster preparedness.

A protracted conflict that had ravaged Sri Lanka for nearly 26 years reached its conclusion on May 18, 2009. The Sri Lankan government’s declaration of victory over the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam marked the end of a civil war that had deeply scarred the nation, paving the way for a challenging but hopeful period of reconciliation and rebuilding.

In the heart of Hollywood, a temple of cinema opened its doors on May 18, 1927. Grauman’s Chinese Theater, with its distinctive architecture and handprints of stars, quickly became an emblem of the film industry’s golden age, hosting some of the most glamorous premieres and becoming a beloved landmark.

The pop music scene was forever changed on May 18, 1999, with the release of the Backstreet Boys’ album “Millennium.” The record’s success, marked by chart-topping hits and record-breaking sales, catapulted the group to international stardom and left a lasting legacy on the late 90s pop culture.

In a united stand against the militarization of environmental science, the U.S., USSR, and other nations signed the Environmental Modification Convention on May 18, 1977. This treaty was a significant step towards ensuring that the environment could not be weaponized, safeguarding the natural world for future generations.

The last Emperor of Russia, Nicholas II, was born on May 18, 1868. His reign, fraught with turmoil, would eventually culminate in the Russian Revolution, leading to the downfall of the Romanov dynasty and the rise of the Soviet Union, reshaping the political order of the 20th century.


A union that would significantly shape the geopolitical dynamics of medieval Europe occurred on May 18, 1152, when Eleanor of Aquitaine married Henri of Anjou. This marriage brought vast territories under the control of the future King Henry II of England, setting the stage for centuries of Anglo-French conflict.