Very old ancestors of early human species. They have sometimes been called the missing link between apes and humans.
Australopithecine
Fact of the Day
The names of the English rivers Amber, Avon, Axe, Esk, Exe, Ouse, Humber, Irwell, Thames and Tyne all mean 'river' or 'water' in various old languages.
Quote of the Day
"The enemy should have to carve his way over heaps of corpses.
"
~ General von Below's orders to the German army on the Somme, 1916
On This Day
1429 A French force led by Joan of Arc lifted the seven-month-long Siege of Orléans.
1559 Elizabeth I gave her approval to the Acts of Uniformity and Supremacy, establishing a middle of the road Protestant faith for the whole country, banning Catholicism and enforcing church attendance, and confirming Elizabeth as the head of the Church of England.
1660 Charles II was proclaimed king of England. The British monarchy was restored after the English Civil War.
1701 Captain Kidd went on trial for murder and piracy on the high seas. He was found guilty and hanged 15 days later.
1903 French post-Impressionist Paul Gauguin died of an accidental drug overdose, aged 54.
1945 VE Day: The Allies formally accepted the unconditional surrender of Germany, bringing an end to war in Europe.
1952 Women in Greece were granted the right to vote.