Discover the Historical Events and Famous People Born on June 20

June 20 is a special day in history. Many important events and famous people’s birthdays happened on this day. Let’s learn about some of them!

Historical Events on June 20

Battle of the Catalaunian Plains (451)

Long ago, in the year 451, there was a big battle called the Battle of the Catalaunian Plains. It happened in a place that is now part of France. Attila the Hun, a powerful leader, was trying to take over Roman Gaul. But the Romans and their friends, the Visigoths, fought against Attila. The exact date of the battle is not sure, but many people think it happened on June 20. In the end, the Romans and Visigoths won, and Attila had to stop his invasion.

Burgos Cathedral (1221)

On June 20, 1221, something important happened in a city called Burgos in Spain. The first stone was put in place for a big, beautiful church called Burgos Cathedral. The king of Castile, Ferdinand III, was there to see it happen. The cathedral was built in a style called Gothic, which makes it look very fancy and tall. Many years later, in 1984, Burgos Cathedral was added to a special list of important places called UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Deventer Occupied (1591)

In 1591, during a time when the Dutch people were fighting against Spanish rule, two leaders named Maurice and William Louis of Nassau took over a Dutch city called Deventer on June 20. Deventer was an important city, and taking control of it was a big step in the fight against the Spanish.

Tennis Court Oath (1789)

On June 20, 1789, something big happened in France. It was the start of the French Revolution. A group of people called the Third Estate were unhappy with the French king and his rules. They met on a tennis court and made a special promise called the Tennis Court Oath. They promised to keep meeting until they could make a new set of rules for France, called a constitution. This was a brave thing to do and showed that they would not give up easily.

Flight to Varennes (1791)

King Louis XVI and his family tried to run away from Paris on June 20, 1791, during the French Revolution. They were unhappy and scared because people were angry with them. They put on disguises and tried to leave the city, but they were caught and brought back. This made many people even more upset with the king and queen, and it made the revolution grow stronger.

Famous Birthdays on June 20

Sigismund III Vasa (1566-1632)

• Born: June 20, 1566
• Birthplace: Gripsholm Castle, Sweden
• Known for: King of Poland, Grand Duke of Lithuania, and King of Sweden Reign: Poland and Lithuania (1587-1632), Sweden (1592-1599)
• Death: 1632

Sigismund III Vasa was born in Sweden but became the king of Poland and Lithuania. He also ruled Sweden for a short time. Sigismund faced many challenges during his reign and fought wars against Sweden, Russia, and the Ottoman Empire. He is remembered for his strong religious beliefs and for bringing the Polish Golden Age of art and literature to a close.

Wolfe Tone (1763-1798)

• Born: June 20, 1763
• Birthplace: Dublin, Ireland
• Known for: Irish republican and revolutionary leader Movements: United Irishmen and Irish Rebellion of 1798
• Death: 1798

Wolfe Tone was an important figure in Ireland’s fight for freedom from British rule. He helped start a group called the United Irishmen, which wanted Ireland to be its own country. Tone worked with the French to try to bring soldiers to Ireland to fight against the British. He was caught and arrested, and he sadly died in prison in 1798.

Lillian Hellman (1905-1984)

• Born: June 20, 1905
• Birthplace: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
• Known for: Playwright and screenwriter Notable works: The Children’s Hour, The Little Foxes, Watch on the Rhine
• Death: 1984

Lillian Hellman was a famous American writer who wrote plays and movies. Her plays often showed the bad parts of society and family secrets. Some of her most famous plays are The Children’s Hour and The Little Foxes. Hellman was also known for her political views and her relationships with famous people like Dashiell Hammett.

Errol Flynn (1909-1959)

• Born: June 20, 1909
• Birthplace: Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
• Known for: Actor Notable films: Captain Blood, The Adventures of Robin Hood, The Sea Hawk
• Death: 1959

Errol Flynn was a famous movie star from Australia who became popular in Hollywood. He was known for playing brave and charming characters in adventure movies like Captain Blood and The Adventures of Robin Hood. Flynn’s good looks and exciting life made him a big celebrity, but he also had personal problems and got into trouble sometimes.

Doris Hart (1925-2015)

• Born: June 20, 1925 Birthplace: St. Louis, Missouri, USA
• Known for: Tennis player Achievements: 6 Grand Slam singles titles, 14 Grand Slam women’s doubles titles, 15 Grand Slam mixed doubles titles
• Death: 2015

Doris Hart was a very good tennis player from the United States. She won many important championships in her career, including six Grand Slam titles in singles, 14 in women’s doubles, and 15 in mixed doubles. Hart had a special playing style and was very quick on the court. She was added to the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1969.

Takeaway

 June 20 is a day filled with important historical events and the birthdays of many fascinating people. From battles and revolutions to the building of beautiful cathedrals, this date has seen its fair share of excitement. It is also the birthday of kings, revolutionaries, writers, actors, and sports stars who have left their mark on the world. By learning about these events and people, we can better understand and appreciate the richness of our history.

References:

1. “Battle of the Catalaunian Plains.” Encyclopædia Britannica, https://www.britannica.com/event/Battle-of-the-Catalaunian-Plains. Accessed 19 June 2024.
2. “Burgos Cathedral.” UNESCO World Heritage Centre, https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/316/. Accessed 19 June 2024.
3. “Dutch Revolt.” Encyclopædia Britannica, https://www.britannica.com/event/Dutch-Revolt. Accessed 19 June 2024.
4. “French Revolution.” History, https://www.history.com/topics/france/french-revolution. Accessed 19 June 2024.
5. “Sigismund III Vasa.” Encyclopædia Britannica, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Sigismund-III-Vasa. Accessed 19 June 2024.
6. “Wolfe Tone.” Encyclopædia Britannica, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Wolfe-Tone. Accessed 19 June 2024.
7. “Lillian Hellman.” Encyclopædia Britannica, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Lillian-Hellman. Accessed 19 June 2024.
8. “Errol Flynn.” IMDb, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001224/. Accessed 19 June 2024.
9. “Doris Hart.” International Tennis Hall of Fame, https://www.tennisfame.com/hall-of-famers/inductees/doris-hart. Accessed 19 June 2024.