From ancient battlefields to frozen outer planets, 13 March has produced moments that altered the course of science, politics, sport and everyday life. Here is a look at ten events that took place on this date across the centuries.
Muslim Forces Win Decisive Victory at Badr – 624
The Battle of Badr stands as one of the defining moments in early Islamic history. Muhammad led a smaller Muslim army from Medina against a larger Meccan force and secured a decisive victory. The outcome strengthened the political and spiritual authority of the Muslim community and shaped the expansion of Islam across the Arabian Peninsula and beyond.
Uranus Spotted for the First Time – 1781
British-German astronomer William Herschel was scanning the night sky when he recorded an unusual object he believed to be a comet. Further observation confirmed it was a planet – the seventh from the sun. Uranus became the first planet discovered in the modern era, pushing back the known boundaries of the solar system and opening new questions about what else might lie beyond.
Confederate President Signs Slave Soldier Bill – 1865
In the final weeks of the American Civil War, Confederate President Jefferson Davis signed a bill permitting enslaved men to serve as soldiers in the Confederate Army. The decision came far too late to change anything. The Confederacy was collapsing and the measure was largely seen as an act of desperation rather than policy.
Arkansas Acts Against the Ku Klux Klan – 1869
The Arkansas legislature passed legislation aimed at dismantling Ku Klux Klan activity in the state. It was one of the earlier legislative efforts to confront organised racial violence during Reconstruction. The law reflected the fierce political battles of the period as governments attempted to enforce civil rights against sustained and often violent resistance across the South.
Teenage Inventor Patents Earmuffs – 1877
Chester Greenwood, a 15-year-old from Maine, was granted a patent for earmuffs. He had reportedly created the design to keep his ears warm during cold winters, and later built a commercial operation around the product. The state of Maine still marks his contribution each year.
British Forces End the Sokoto Caliphate – 1903
British colonial forces took control of Sokoto in northern Nigeria, bringing down the Sokoto Caliphate and claiming authority over roughly 500,000 square miles of territory. The fall marked a significant moment in the colonisation of West Africa and had lasting consequences for the region’s religious, cultural and political structures.
Kansas Approves Film Censorship – 1913
The Kansas legislature approved a law giving the state the power to censor motion pictures. The decision was part of a wider American anxiety about early cinema’s moral influence on audiences. Several other states pursued similar measures around the same period.
Pluto Announced to the World – 1930
Astronomer Clyde Tombaugh publicly announced his discovery of Pluto at Lowell Observatory. The object was designated the ninth planet in the solar system – a classification it held for 76 years before being reclassified as a dwarf planet in 2006. The announcement caused considerable excitement at the time and Pluto quickly captured public imagination.
Britain Makes Driving Tests Compulsory – 1935
The driving test was introduced in Great Britain on this date, reflecting growing concern about road safety as car ownership increased. Drivers were now required to demonstrate a basic standard of competence before taking to public roads – a policy that has since become standard practice in countries across the world.
Sri Lanka Beat India as Eden Gardens Erupts – 1996
Sri Lanka defeated India in the Cricket World Cup semi-final, though the match will be remembered as much for the chaos as the cricket. Rioting broke out among spectators at Eden Gardens in Calcutta after India’s batting collapsed, forcing the umpires to abandon play. Sri Lanka were awarded the match and went on to win the tournament.
