Human Saga

On March 18

No pivotal events are recorded on exactly March 18 in the Human Saga — here is the surrounding week in history.

This week in history (Mar 15 – Mar 21)

15 March 44 BCEAssassination of Julius Caesar (the Ides of March)Politics & governance

Having defeated Pompey at Pharsalus in 48 BCE and won the civil war, Julius Caesar accumulated unprecedented power, and in early 44 BCE he was made dictator perpetuo, dictator in perpetuity.

1600–1611 (VOC chartered 20 March 1602; exchange opened 1611)Joint-stock companies and the world's first stock exchangeEconomy & trade

Between 1600 and 1611 the institutional core of modern finance took shape in northwestern Europe.

21 March 1804Promulgation of the Napoleonic CodePolitics & governance

On 21 March 1804 France promulgated the Civil Code of the French, soon known as the Code Napoléon.

21 March 1960Sharpeville massacreSocial & demographic

On 21 March 1960 South African police opened fire on a crowd of several thousand unarmed Black protesters outside the police station in the township of Sharpeville, in the Transvaal.

20 March 2003The US-led invasion of IraqMilitary & conflict

On 20 March 2003 a US-led coalition including Britain, Australia and Poland invaded Iraq, opening with a 'shock and awe' bombing campaign aimed at the government of Saddam Hussein.

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