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Good morning, afternoon, or evening, depending on where you are.
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It's March 18th, and we're excited to have you here for the Daily Dose of History podcast.
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Let's discuss some significant historical events that occurred on this day.
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On March 18th, 37 AD, the Roman Senate made the controversial decision to annul the will
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of the deceased Emperor Tiberius and proclaim his grand nephew, Gays Julius Caesar Augustus
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Dermanicus, also known as Caligula as the new Emperor. Caligula, known for his erratic behavior
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and cruelty, quickly consolidated power and ruled with tyranny. His reign was marked by extravagance,
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political purges, and a disregard for traditional Roman values. Caligula's rule ultimately ended in
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his assassination in 41 AD, leading to a period of instability in the Roman Empire.
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The Senate's decision to appoint Caligula as Emperor had far-reaching consequences for the
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Empire's political landscape. On March 18th, 1068, a devastating earthquake struck the
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Levant and the Arabian Peninsula, resulting in the loss of up to 20,000 lives.
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The seismic event caused widespread destruction, toppling buildings, and infrastructure in
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major cities such as Jerusalem, causing immense human suffering and economic turmoil.
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The earthquake's impact reverberated across the region, leading to a significant loss of life
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and displacement of communities. This tragic event serves as a reminder of the unpredictable
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and destructive power of natural disasters, shaping the historical landscape of the affected
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regions for years to come. Frederick II, Holy Roman Emperor, declared himself King of Jerusalem
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in the 6th crusade on March 18th, 1229. This event marked a significant moment in history as
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Frederick II, known for his diplomatic skills and unorthodox methods, managed to secure control
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of Jerusalem through negotiations rather than military conquest. His actions were controversial
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as he had been excommunicated by the Pope for delaying his participation in the crusade.
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Despite this, Frederick II's declaration solidified his power in the Holy Land and demonstrated
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the complexities of medieval politics and the shifting power dynamics of the time.
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The first Mongol invasion of Poland in 1241 saw the Mongol forces, led by Vatican,
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overwhelmed the Polish armies in the Battle of Chmielnik near Krakow. The Mongols, known for their
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brutal tactics and military prowess, successfully plundered the city of Krakow after their victory.
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This invasion was part of the larger Mongol invasion of Europe, which aimed to expand the
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Mongol Empire into Western territories. The devastating impact of the Mongol invasion on Poland
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left a lasting mark on the region, leading to widespread destruction and loss of life.
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Jacques de Molay, the grand master of the night's Templar, was burned at the stake on March 18th,
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1314, in Paris. Accused of heresy and other charges by King Philip IV of France,
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de Molay and other Templar leaders were arrested and subjected to torture.
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Despite initially confessing under duress, de Molay later recanted his confession,
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proclaiming the innocence of the Templars. His defiance angered the king, who ordered his execution.
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De Molay's death marked the tragic end of the once powerful and wealthy night's Templar order,
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leaving a legacy of mystery and intrigue that continues to capture the imagination of historians
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and conspiracy theorists alike. On March 18th, 1438, Albert II of Habsburg was elected
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as the king of the Romans, marking a significant event in European history.
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As the ruler of the Holy Roman Empire, Albert II faced challenges such as political unrest
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and territorial disputes. His reign was characterized by efforts to consolidate power and maintain
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stability within the empire. Albert II's ascension to the throne symbolized the influence and
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authority of the Habsburg dynasty in shaping the political landscape of medieval Europe.
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His reign laid the foundation for the future expansion and prominence of the Habsburg family
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in European politics. On March 18th, 1571, the letter was officially declared the capital city of
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Malta by Grand Master Jean de La Cacere of the Order of Saint John. This decision was made
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due to the strategic location of Valetta, which offered better defense against potential invaders
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compared to the previous capital, Medina. The construction of Valetta had begun in 1566
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under the direction of the renowned military architect Francesco Lapparelli.
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The city was designed to be a fortified stronghold with its impressive bastions,
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walls, and fortifications. Valetta's elevation to capital status marked a significant moment
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in Malta's history, solidifying its importance as a key political and administrative center.
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On March 18th, 1608, Susenios was formerly crowned emperor of Ethiopia, marking a significant
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moment in Ethiopian history. Susenios, a Christian convert, faced opposition from traditionalist
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factions who adhered to the ancient Ethiopian Orthodox Church. His reign was marked by religious
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turmoil as he attempted to promote Roman Catholicism in the country. This led to internal conflicts
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and a split within the Ethiopian Church. Susenios' rule was characterized by a delicate balance of
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power between different religious groups and political factions. His coronation symbolized a
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pivotal moment in Ethiopian history, highlighting the complex interplay of religion and politics in
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the region. The third Anglo-Poetan War, starting on March 18th, 1644 in the colony of Virginia,
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was a conflict between English settlers and the Poetan Confederacy. Tensions had been
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escalating due to land disputes, cultural differences, and the encroachment of English settlements
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on Poetan territory. The war saw brutal attacks on both sides, with the Poetan launching a
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coordinated assault on English settlements resulting in significant casualties. The conflict
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ultimately ended in 1646 with the signing of a peace treaty that significantly reduced the power
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and influence of the Poetan Confederacy in the region, marking a significant turning point in
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the history of early colonial America. We hope you enjoyed today's episode and thank you for joining us.
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Please consider passing on what you've learned to your family and friends.
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I'm Amalia DePray and I'm Montgomery Jones. See you later until tomorrow comes around.
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This episode is produced by Classic Studios. See the show notes page for sources and credits.
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Check out our other podcasts and our network at classicstudios.com.